Fitness Nutrition

LOSING WEIGHT BLOCK

Losing weight is a numbers game, but if the math’s got you confused, we can help! From quick and simple tips to more complex lifestyle changes, losing weight can be more manageable with R.E.A.L.’s help. The first step is to educate yourself about how to incorporate healthy lifestyle changes into your daily routine. Some basic tips include:

1. Learn clean eating habits

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean only eating salads for every meal. By learning about your individual nutrition needs, you can start to incorporate more essential fruits and vegetables into your diet, instead of processed goods.

2. Start getting shape

Staying active is key to losing weight. Whether this is walking around the block or joining a water aerobics class, it’s crucial to get your body moving! Set goals for yourself that are small at first and write them down. Create habits out of your fitness plan and practice getting active at least three to four times a week.

3. Get an accountability buddy

Everything is easier with a friend! Not only do you have company in working out or cooking healthy meals, an accountability buddy serves to hold you accountable for the goals you have set together. They can also serve as a support system in times of struggle, setback, or frustration. Plus, it’s a lot more fun, too.

REDUCING STRESS BLOCK

Stress has been clinically proven to result in overall poorer health in adults of all ages. It can increase blood pressure, inflammation, and even cause you to carry more excess weight. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to reduce all sources of stress in our lives, but by employing some stress relief methods daily or even weekly, you can start to decrease your stress levels.

Power walking not only reduces stress, but also increases your overall cardiovascular health. It’s a great way to both get active and work out stress at once. If power walking isn’t for you, try breathing exercises in moments of stress to bring more immediate feelings of stress relief. Meditation can also bring mental clarity and inner peace.

For more long term solutions, consider lowering your work load or scheduling in some time for relaxation and self care. This could be a trip to the spa or an afternoon reading on your sofa. Reducing stress is crucial for an overall healthy and happy lifestyle!

BRAIN HEALTH

Stay sharp! By challenging yourself regularly with puzzles or brain games, you can keep your mind active and increase cognitive performance. Studies show that those who regularly engage in brain exercises see improvements in memory, attention span, and logic skills.

These games can vary depending on your interest or skill you wish to improve. Choose numbers-based or language-based games to get better with mental math or learn new words. Play memory games to challenge your short term memory skills. Perception and reasoning games even help you sharpen pattern recognition and impulse control. Try a variety of each to get a well-rounded, mind-sharpening experience! Many of these games can be found for free online, or a subscription service can be purchased at some sites for more in-depth studies and trainings.