Are you currently living with diabetes or some sort of metabolic disease? Do you find yourself trying to change your lifestyle towards a positive direction? Diabetes isn't something that should negatively decide how you live your life. Even if you have to juggle a job, a family, errands, bills, and other day-to-day obligations, you can make small changes in your lifestyle that will give you conscious control over your body's current condition.
Try some of these:
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Snap a pedometer to your trousers- This small, inexpensive device easily attaches to any waistline. Being conscious of how many steps you've taken can encourage you to do more things on your feet. Ultimately, the more movement you have on your feet, be it walking or running, you're still on the move. You would be surprised how many steps you can take in a day even if you're just running errands or shuffling around the office. After regular use, set small goals for your daily usage. Remember, set small goals in the beginning and allow them to grow.
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See your toes? ...try to touch them- You might not be able to touch your toes, or even see them, but by stretching out different parts of your body you can promote more blood flow and flexibility to places that don't receive much regular physical activity. Ask your podiatrist about basic stretches or if physical therapy is right for you. A podiatrist might suggest a few weeks of physical therapy to learn important stretches and moves that can be used on a regular basis for blood flow and loose muscles.
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“But it says it's sugar-free”- ok ok, just because that package of cookies says it's sugar-free or fat-free DOES NOT mean you can go ahead and eat the whole thing in one sitting. Remember, everything in moderation. It's great that you have decided to buy snacks and foods that are sugar-free or fat-free, but portion sizes are what's important. Often it's just a matter of self-control. Read the serving sizes on the package, and don't go back for seconds....or even thirds.
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Pretend like the elevator is out of service- it is shocking how many people unconsciously use the elevator instead of the stairs. We all urge to ride the super-fun elevator, but if you're only going up to the second floor, try to suppress your childhood instincts. Climbing stairs is a better bet than descending stairs, so in the beginning if you have to choose one, ride the elevator down from that second floor. Try using the stairs, at the very least, the fire marshal says its safer to use the stairs in the case of a fire.
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Sunny day guilt?- You know those days when it's 70 degrees, no humidity, a light breeze, and not a cloud in the sky? Do you ever just spend them inside, maybe on the couch, maybe on facebook. Those days. Try to go outside more. The simple experience of being outside has been proven to help emotional and mental states. If you feel better in your head, you'll feel better in your body. “What your think, you become.”
Although these suggestions may seem simple and small, regular practice is key. With any healthy lifestyle change, it all depends on how often you do it. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither was your body.
