Fitness first: 6 things healthy people do every day

Contrary to what gym selfies and pictures of acai bowls may have you thinking, when it comes to being healthy, it is about much more than what is shown on social media. For the super fit, going to the gym is not a dreadful duty. It’s simply a regular part of the routine.

To them, eating right and exercising is not done to fit into those jeans – it is a habit they have chosen to commit to – which puts their health above everything. And really, who could argue with that? Compiled from The Huffington Post, here is a list of six things healthy people religiously abide by.



1. They make exercise a priority

“When you give exercise as much significance as say a morning meeting, it becomes an automatic, non-negotiable part of your day,” said Kevin Toonen, founder and personal trainer at Strength Elite. Sure, we all get off track from time to time but Toonen explains when we have this sort of mindset, getting back into exercise isn’t seen as such a chore. “People who put their health first, understand that one does not need to be fit to go to the gym – you go to the gym to stay fit – and we all have to start somewhere,” Toonen said.

2. Snoozing isn’t in their vocabulary

Shea Morrison, sleep expert and co-founder of The Goodnight Co explains when we hit ‘snooze’, we’re setting ourselves up to fail. “Having that setback so early on in the day means we are never going to achieve what we set out to do,” Morrison said. “If you’re finding you are waking up groggy, it probably means you need to look at other areas of your life. For example, an earlier bedtime, avoiding caffeine after 2pm and ensuring you’re not having a heavy meal right before bed.”

3. They never skip meals

For the super healthy, food is seen as fuel and therefore they never skip a meal, especially breakfast. “Ensuring you have three meals a day and some healthy snacks in between will stabilise your blood sugar levels and reduce junk food cravings,” Gawthorne said. Removing all junk food from your home and workplace is something Gawthorne strongly recommends.

“If it’s not in sight, you are less likely to eat it – and probably more likely to focus on preparing meals that are nutrient-rich – rather than thinking about your next sugar hit.”



4. They see food as a nourishing source

Reaching for junk food when we are stressed is something we have all been guilty of. “These ‘rewards’ tend to be in the form of high sugar and high trans-fat foods though, and all this does cause a spike and throw out our blood sugar levels,” shared Rebecca Gawthorne, a certified practicing dietitian. Those who put their health first will always recognise the craving and try and satisfy it with something that provides nutrients, rather than processed sugars and fats. Some fresh fruit or a wholegrain cracker with some peanut butter or hummus is not a bad idea after all.

5. They practice moderation

Healthy people understand the effects that overeating sugary foods have on their energy levels and this means that for them, abstaining from such foods for a month or so isn’t a big deal, because they are aware of the health benefits it brings. “One of the most common things people report after abstaining from overeating is that they are sleeping better,” added Gawthorne. This obviously has a flow-on effect for concentration, productivity and mood throughout the day.

6. They value sleep (and probably meditate)

They don’t place meditation in the too-hard basket (and do so even if they have only got five minutes to spare). They also aim for at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. As with exercise, they sleep and meditate to feel better and whatever physical gains that come from that, well that is just a bonus!

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2016.

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