Life nowadays is very busy. You're trying to be a mom, wife, sister, daughter, boss, and employee – but you have to remember yourself first. Many times women report they do not have time to eat healthy or fit exercise into their schedules.
But technology is here to make your journey to greater health an easier one. Here are five ways to get started today.
1) Go with the original. Use a pedometer.
This easy device can be clipped to your waistband or belt and tracked every day then reset the next morning. The goal is to walk at least 10,000 steps per day, encouraging you to be less sedentary and get more exercise. The benefit is that it is simple, and doesn't require more advanced technology such as a smart phone or apps to download.
2) Advance to the next level with a wristband-type device.
Several companies now have technology worn around the wrist like a watch or bracelet that tracks movement and sleep cycles. Some even track heart rate and other medical information. This can then be downloaded into a program to be monitored and evaluated over time.
3) Keep a food journal.
Whether you type it on the computer, or enter into a smart phone or computer app, tracking food intake helps with better accountability. It also allows you to really see how many calories, fat, carbohydrate, fat, sugar and vitamins you're consuming on a daily basis. This allows for a reality check and adjustments as necessary.
4) Join an online community.
If getting healthy through diet and exercise seems daunting without a buddy, try joining one of the many online communities for motivation, tips, ideas and advice. There are communities for moms, runners, cyclers, crossfitters, specific well known DVD workouts, and more. Create a profile and get the support you need to become even healthier. You may even make a new friend or two.
5) There’s an app for that.
Want to learn some ballet moves? Looking to perk up your back end? Only have 10 minutes? Need high-intensity training suggestions?
Recipes for a gluten-free dinner? Paleo-specific blogs? Easy breakfast ideas? There is an app for that. Many have the ability to track exercise, sleep, food intake, and connect you to an online community to help make your health journey easier.
Remember, before starting any major change it is important that you get cleared by your health care provider. This is important if you have not worked out for a while (or ever) or are not the most nutritionally savvy person.
Sources:
Barclay, L. Food Journal Is Key For Weight Loss In Women. Web. 18 May, 2014. Retrieved from
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/767314
NIH Division of Nutrition Research Coordination. General Guidance for Pedometer Use. Web. 18 May, 2014. Retrieved from
http://dnrc.nih.gov/move-health/pedometer-use.asp
Reviewed May 21, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith