Get In Shape For Free
Getting your mind and body in better shape simply means moving a little more and eating a little better. We're bombarded with ads that tell us we need the latest technology in order to reach our health targets. In actual fact, health is not a destination, it's a way of living... and it doesn't need to cost the earth.
All we need to keep healthy, happy, and balanced is a little motivation and self-love. Everything else is optional.
run
Getting your cardio up with a run is a great way to boost your metabolism, get your heart rate up, clear your mind, help shed excess weight, and get some fresh air in your lungs (which is an underrated asset to good health).
online yoga classes
The internet is a wonderful thing and one of my favourite online resources is at-home exercise classes. I love yoga, pilates, and targeting particular areas with hand weights – all of which I go to my trusty pal YouTube for.
household items
If you're wanting to tone up but don't have weights, search your home for items instead. Tins of beans, bags of rice or flour, a plant pot, a flask filled with water, a book (or if you want more of a challenge, fill a small box of books!).
snack on veggies
As someone who loves textures when it comes to food, I totally understand the craving of something crunchy to nibble on. So instead of reaching for the crisps, chop some peppers, cucumber, celery, and carrots and dunk them in hummus, guacamole, or almond butter for a boost of vitamins and protein. And don't no post-snack guilt!
drink more water
Often times our bodies are craving water and need hydration. Our brain confuses this with hunger and we endlessly snack. Up your water intake throughout the day and you'll find you have fewer cravings and need to eat less. Eating water rich foods (fruits and veggies) will also keep you hydrated and keep the cravings at bay.
stock up on healthy instant foods
It can be all too easy to grab that frozen ready meal or opt for a take-away at the end of a long day. But if you plan for quick dinners you can opt for the healthy, easy option (check out my Vegan Fast Food + Recipes post here). Stock your cupboards with grains like couscous, bulgar wheat, buckwheat which take 5-15 minutes to cook. Have chia seeds soaking to make a healthy chia chocolate pudding, and if you're a fan of fizzy drinks, have a bottle of carbonated water on the go instead.