After being in the fitness industry for almost 40 years (!!!) one thing I have learned is that being healthy is a LIFESTYLE. It is all about feeling motivated and taking action! So here are my 7 healthy lifestyle tips that anyone can use to get – and stay – healthy and fit!!

7 Healthy Lifestyle Tips

1. Start
It’s all about establishing a routine. Squeeze in just 10 minutes to move, and then add five minutes the next time. If you just do that, you’ll see a huge difference. These 5-Minute Workouts are a great place to start – do one or all today!!

2. Shake things up
I’m a big believer in mixing up your routine. I change it up all the time with barre, yoga, cardio, high-intensity circuits. I love to play tennis with my husband Jeff, and sometimes on weekends we play with the whole family. Jeff has played his whole life. He was an All American, won 2 NCAA’s championships at UCLA and played professionally too! The Austin family of five had all tennis champions. Jeff’s sister is Tracy Austin. So it’s all in the family – which is easy for us, but you can do this with your family, too! Play a game of kickball, go for a group hike or bike ride, even daily after dinner walks are a great way to get everyone involved and have fun!

3. Find the joy in getting healthy
I’m motivated because I love what I do. It’s positive, and helping people keeps me going. Find the joy in a workout that you will love, and you are more likely to do it consistently. This leads to a healthy lifestyle without even knowing you are working towards it! Walking with a friend is one of my favorites because I get to catch up and get in some fitness at the same time!

4. Be consistent
I’m just like everyone else — I’d rather sit on the couch and eat doughnuts. But I exercise to feel good, and I know how I feel when I don’t. I only work out for 30 minutes, but I do it almost every day. Consistency is key. So make that pledge to yourself to tackle some form of exercise for at least 10 minutes most days this week – and work your way up! You will feel great afterwards!

5. Try new music
I have two daughters who really keep me young with their fun music they introduce me to. My daughter, Kelly works in the music industry so I get a chance to hear ALL kinds of great new music. Looking forward to a new playlist keeps me on my toes and looking forward to working out!

6. Eat well 80 percent of the time
I’m into eating whole foods. I don’t starve myself, and I don’t think other people should either. But I give myself “cheat meals” 20 percent of the time. It’s about balance. If I do indulge, it might be on a glass of red wine or dessert if I’m out. Overall this balance works for me, and it may work for you, too – give it a try! My Whole Body Plan offers a wonderful, well-rounded eating plan that you can customize to your preferences. All three meals plus snacks are accounted for, all the recipes are easy to make, and everything tastes delicious!! Check it out with your 7-day free trial now – you could be on a healthy eating path in just a week!

7. Keep superfoods on hand — and banish the junk
Some foods I’ll always have in my kitchen are spinach (high in vitamin C), quinoa (a high-protein whole grain), walnuts (good for heart health), olive oil and avocados (both are healthy fats). I try not to have junk food in my kitchen at all, or I will see it and eat it. My favorite is ice cream, so when I really want it, we walk to the ice cream shop and get either a scoop of coffee ice cream, gelato or frozen yogurt. That way it’s perfectly portioned, unlike a carton of ice cream, which I could down in one sitting while mindlessly watching TV. I also usually have a dark-chocolate bar handy for a sweet-tooth attack — but a healthy one that is high in antioxidants and at least 70 percent real cocoa.

I hope these healthy suggestions help YOU want to lead a healthy daily life… a little goes a long way, so stick with your goals and you will reap the benefits! Don’t forget that a 7-day free trial is available now for a DeniseAustin.com membership – hundreds of quick, effective workouts, an eating plan, motivation from me and so much more – enjoy!

Let’s get fitter, together – inside and out,
Denise

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