We’re all human, right? Nowadays body shaming and striving to obtain the ‘perfect’ body is (unfortunately) something we think about constantly and strive for every single day. Even if it’s not on the forefront of our thoughts, it’s typically somewhere in the back of our minds. But this desperate desire to lose weight or achieve the ‘perfect’ body shouldn’t be dominating our lives.

A healthy lifestyle is important, but you shouldn’t bring yourself down when you chose dinner with friends over going to the gym. We all need the work and life balance and there are easy ways to help get you on track. Here are my realistic ways to get on a healthy regime without ruining your life.

1. Find a workout you actually like doing. This might come as a shocker, but when’s the last time you avoided something you enjoyed doing? I hope you answered the week before never. There’s nothing like finding a workout that you enjoy doing. If you’re not a gym person, consider finding a class or sport you enjoy playing. There’s a new option called ‘ClassPass’ where for $100 a month you can browse and go to a variety of classes in your city. This is a great way to not only try a few different workouts, but you can meet new people or get a group of friends together to take classes with you!

2. Don’t do extremes. Many people wake up one morning and decide all-of-a-sudden they’re going to drop dairy or wheat or do a Paleo diet. It not only shocks your body, but the reality of doing the extreme for a long period of time isn’t realistic. If you do want to cut things out of your everyday diet, start slowly and gradually wean it out, or simply just swap good choices for the bad.

3. Read food labels. If you’re like me, I typically look at a nutrition label to gaze at the calories, carbs or fat content. What you should be doing is looking at the ingredients and finding out what you’re eating is made out of. Your body is like a machine, it needs fuel in order to work and function properly.   Eating simple, clean and non-processed foods are the best for your body. If an ingredient has 50 letters in it, or something you can’t even pronounce, it’s probably not the best for you.

4. Skip the elevator and climb. Ever heard that taking the stairs is bad for you? I don’t think so. You may work out regularly, but it’s also the extra effort you put in during the work day that counts too. Get up once in a while and get your blood circulating. If you’re at a desk all day, grab a small water cup so you have to fill it up more often or walk to a friend’s house instead of Ubering. Shedding those pounds requires making smart choices.

5. Drink plenty of water. Drinking water is essential to your health. Did you know your body is composed of about 60 percent water? Staying hydrated boots metabolism, aids in digestion, circulation, transportation of nutrients and maintains your body temperature. Spice it up with lemon or buy an infuser and put veggies (i.e. cucumber) or even fruit (strawberry water?!). Be creative.

The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.