By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
Staying fit in today’s world began when at age fifteen I recognized the importance of eating healthy and exercising at least five days a week. That determination has remained a part of my life longer than many of you are old.
We often read articles, blog posts, and emails that focus on how to stay fit in today’s world. Some of those resonate and seem adaptable to our lifestyle, and some simply aren’t feasible. The best way to approach how to stay fit is to eat healthy foods and move that body. Before we dive into the why and how, please check with your doctor to ensure you are making the right choices for your age and body.
Study the following seven reasons why we should maintain a healthy body.
- Longevity increases when we eat nutritiously sound and exercise.
- Our bodies are the temple of God. That says to me to take care of where God dwells.
- Solid, healthy nutrition equates to good mental health.
- Exercise fires neurons into our brain keeping us alert and able to focus.
- Staying fit helps to chase away heart disease, unhealthy weight gain, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
- Boosts our energy!
- Enhances a positive attitude, and we laugh more.
The next big hurdle is how we develop lasting habits. The following are seven tips.
- Decide to make a lasting change. Pray for wisdom and guidance, a lasting renewal of body and mind.
- Journal food intake for a week, including time and amounts. At the end of the week, analyze your eating habits.
- Journal the type and duration of exercise for one week. Are you pleased? If exercise is not your routine, start slow and build up. Your body will thank you.
- Seek out an accountability partner. Often sharing victories or momentary setbacks helps develop lifelong good habits.
- Never condemn yourself for not eating healthy or eliminating a day of exercise. Tomorrow is another day. We are human.
- Plan for special occasions. If you like bread or dessert, hold back on other carbs during the day and enjoy the special treat in moderation.
- Pray without ceasing. When we strive to stay fit, we glorify God with our bodies.
I’ve adhered to these tips and shared the reasons all my life. I’m currently healthy and fit. However, circumstances beyond my control could alter this tomorrow. Until then, I’m giving my body the best treatment possible.
What is your tip for staying fit?
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Comments 26
I need to do my walk/run, Pilates, Yoga, strength training or whatever is on the agenda for the day, first thing in the morning. Otherwise it may get lost in the rest of my activities. I prefer the walk/run outside but if it’s too cold in the winter, I do that at a warmer part of the day. However, then it doesn’t always get done. Phooey on me, but tomorrow is another chance. The indoor things can be done first thing no matter what.
I used to schedule appointments early in the day to get them finished, but now I do them mid-morning if at all possible so my exercise takes priority.
Author
Karen, we are alike! My exercise and quiet time with God always comes first.
I bought a Cubi about a year ago from Sam’s Club. I’ve had 2 knee replacements, 1 hip and 1 shoulder replacement. Exercise is difficult. I can sit on my couch and pedal the Cubi for 30 to 60 minutes and my watch keeps up with the time and energy I use. I don’t like exercise but this is fairly easy. I’ve also been cutting back on carbs and sugar which has helped me lose weight.
I read an article yesterday by Candace Cameron Bure talking about how she used to hate her body so much she would beat up on it. God spoke to her about how he had designed her legs to walk, her arms to hold things and hug and what a beautiful thing the body was. That changed her thought process.
I’m amazed at how our bodies were made to heal themselves by God and how he made us to reproduce new humans with his help. He breathes new air into our lungs at birth! Everyone’s body is made unique and special and a home for the Holy Spirit. I try not to make him grieve.
Author
Hi Gail, thanks for sharing what you do to keep fit. I value what you’ve written. We are made in the image of God, and He doesn’t make anything worthless!
“I try not to make him grieve.” Powerful words, Gail. They will stick in my brain. Thank you.
Author
Karen, Gail did give us a powerful message.
This is great advice, DiAnn. We are stewards of our own health.
I’ve found that running has given me many benefits over the years. It fills me with a sense of happiness and well-being. It’s also been shown that physical exercise boosts creativity. That’s something we can all use!
Author
Kay, Congratulations for taking good care of your body! I agree, that while I’m exercising my creativity explodes. Thanks so much!
This is something I definitely need to work on. I seem to be kacking in motivation lately.
Author
Carolyn, perhaps an accountability partner would help with the motivation.
I keep it simple. I listen to my body and pray… a lot!
Thanks for the tips and encouragement with your thoughts DiAnn!
Have a Blessed Easter
Author
Joyce, you are so welcome! And congratulations for listening to your body and praying.
Our DNA plays a significant role in determining our overall health–something we can’t change. Beyond that, use some common sense. If you don’t put on weight, you won’t have to take it off. Many years ago, my husband’s doctor instructed him to cut all portions OF EVERYTHING HE INGESTED by half. That way, Jim didn’t have to omit anything totally. Is there anything we want more than something we cannot eat? Anyway, Jim’s weight loss was slower than a diet would have been (he’d tried those too), but he has kept it off.
Author
Peggy, DNA does play a huge role in maintaining a healthy body. All we can do is our best.
I so value the doctor’s advice. I, too, cut my portions in half if it’s something that’s not necessarily good for me. And he’s kept the weight off!
Ouch!!! This hit me right between the eyes…or perhaps I should say in the gut! I think about and make plans to do better in both areas. Then I do not follow through. Thanks for the wake up call!
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Cindy, you can do it!!
Wonderful things to ponder and put into practice! Thank you so much!
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Maureen, I weighed more in the third grade than I do now. It takes time, patience, and listening to your doctor.
I love this herald. The reason I call the article a herald is because as the call goes forth and readers run with it, we will benefit.
I try to drink as much water as I can to give this body hydration. It is made mostly of water so I drink.
I try to maintain healthy portions of healthy foods. My portions used to be double what they are now.
I have seen a program entitled “Aging Backwards” as if to suggest that age and infirmary can be delayed. If we remember that God created our bodies and we are to be good stewards there is hope. We are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and it is our desire for Him to occupy surrendered and clean vessels.
We can benefit from right living. One day we will have perfect bodies which gives me joyous hope.
Author
Dawn, I treasure every word your wrote. Beautiful sage advice. Thank you!
Great thoughts on why and how to stay fit.
Author
Thanks, Debbie, I think for those who never had a weight problem or health issues don’t understand how easy good healthy can slip away.
My staying-fit tip is to boost protein intake as we grow older. It helps us maintain muscle mass.
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Tammy, thanks. I’m also a believer in lifting weights.
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and encouragement with us! Unfortunately, I’m trying to undo years of self-mistreatment and reverse health issues I might have avoided otherwise. But at my age, it is slow going. I’m making significant changes, though, and praying for wisdom and self-control. Hopefully, I’ll see some positive results soon.
Author
Sandy, I prayed for you. Everything takes time and patience to do it well – and be successful.