Why not make 2009 the year to get back in shape. With our jobs, kids and the various responsibilities we take on, our personal health and fitness seem to be pushed to the side. Becoming healthier and fitter does not have to be an all-consuming task, it can be done in small steps. Little changes, spread over a whole year, can make all the difference in your health and well-being.

When carrying out changes to your life, remember to aim toward changes that you can live with, set goals that are achievable. Many people fail on diets and exercise because they expect too much of themselves. Be realistic, if you have not exercised in years, do not expect to start this year running a marathon.

One place to start is with your diet. You do not have to go on a limited calorie diet to see results. You are looking for quality not quantity. For instance; If you switch to skim milk in your morning cereal, you will save 100 calories. Have whole grain toast with your breakfast. Whole grains are high in antioxidants, vitamins and fiber, which all promote a healthy heart and reduce the chance of contracting many kinds of cancer. You should try to drink at least 8oz of water a day, water helps to flush toxins and impurities from your body. Since our bodies are 75% water, it is a vital part of any healthy diet.

Another tip for healthy eating is to eat slowly and chew your food carefully. When you rush through a meal you tend to overeat, as you body does not have time to alert your brain that you are full. By savoring your food it will be more satisfying, meaning you will also eat less. Do not be tempted to skip meals though, skipping meals can cause dangerous fluctuations of blood sugar, making you feel dizzy and nauseous. Missing meals can also trigger a response in you body causing it to retain pounds, not lose them.
Exercise is a great way to boost your fitness level making you feel better, and be much healthier.

Start slowly, do not expect to do everything at once. Add to the activities that you do already, if you walk the dog for a half hour a day, walk him for an hour. Do you have a friend that also wants to get in better shape? Exercise together, being accountable to someone other than yourself will make you less likely to cheat. Setting weekly goals and writing them down will also help you stay focused. Seeing your progress on paper will let you visually track your success. Just 155 minutes (2.5hrs) of aerobic exercise will greatly reduce your chances of heart attack and stroke. Exercise, even in moderate amounts, will always prove beneficial.
Part of your healthy outlook for 2009 should include breaking any bad habits you may have. Smoking is a good example. If you quit smoking now, you will not only get healthier, but you will also save money. Actually two weeks after you quit smoking, your risk of a heart attack will begin to drop, and your lungs will function more efficiently. If you are uncomfortable quitting “cold turkey” speak to your doctor, there are several stop smoking medications to make the process easier. This is a resolution that will continue to reward you for years to come.

There are several ways to make 2009 your year to become healthier. Whether you choose to add just a few changes, or decide to make major improvements to your lifestyle, you will be rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment and a lifetime of great health.

Do not be discouraged if you have days that you fail to stick to your plan. The goal is to be healthier, not to be perfect. The changes you make with will soon begin to pay off. Once you start feeling the benefits of your hard work, it will be easier to move it up a step and begin a more challenging program. Making 2009 the year you take charge of your health. This will allow you to enjoy benefits for the rest of your life.