Natural Fitness

A natural fitness lifestyle is not just for bikini or fitness models.  Anyone who wants to have a healthy and good-looking body can do it.  Even if you do not intend to follow the intense workouts that people in the fitness industry subscribe to, you can adopt the basic components of their lifestyle.

Keys to natural fitness

Women who are overweight and have never exercised can start with eating unprocessed foods.  This means no junk food, no fast food, no soda.  And yes, this includes those that are labeled “diet.”  Eat vegetables, fruits, lean meat, and whole grain.  Eat them closest to their natural state or at least cook them with no added fattening ingredients such as oil or thick cream in the dish.  Eat just enough and frequently.  Small frequent meals will help increase the body’s rate of metabolism.  More importantly, keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water.

Exercise, especially if it’s your first time, should be undertaken gradually.  Taking a brisk walk is a good start.  The key is to do it everyday, in increasing durations.  For example, you can do walking for ten minutes, then gradually increase the time to up to 45 minutes.  As your body becomes accustomed to exercise, you can start introducing weights and strength training in your exercise routine.  This is important for building muscles.  If you can afford it, it is good to get a personal trainer for guidance and to enforce discipline.  However, the will to maintain this fitness lifestyle has to come from you.  Even if you have ten trainers but you don’t commit to eating and exercising right, nothing will happen.

Just like anyone else, it is normal to suddenly crave for junk food or sweets.  Giving in or depriving yourself from a snack are both disastrous.  The best solution is to go for alternatives.  For example, if you are craving for sweets, you can have a chocolate protein shake or protein bar.  Sugar-free hot chocolate and pudding are also good choices.  If you are craving for salty foods, have some almonds instead of fries or potato chips.  Keep a small bag of almonds or other nuts with you so that you have something to munch on when cravings strike.  Almonds are high in protein and can make you feel full without being fattening.

While it is ideal that you prepare your food, it doesn’t mean that you shall never set foot in a restaurant again.  The key is to order the right dishes.  Order grilled chicken and skip the sauce or gravy.  Or, have the salad greens without the dressing.  The key is to be conscious about what you take in without having to deprive yourself.  Having a negative attitude toward food is unhealthy.