There is a fine line between what is considered healthy and what is not, and iIt is often easy to cross this line when dealing with implementing a new exercise and diet regime. Adopting unhealthy practices can seem like the best and easiest route when looking towards your goals. Finding a balance is one of the largest challenges of reaching towards a healthier lifestyle. Many experts have given ratios and numbers that equate to a healthy diet or exercise plan, but everyone is different, both physically and mentally. Plans that may work for others may not work for you. What is most important is finding your own body’s balance between foods you eat and calories you use.

         

Unhealthy practices tend to yield fast results, but are ultimately unsustainable.Too many people go to extremes when they are trying to get fit. Many people have talked about how they only eat 1,000 calories a day, and run at the gym for hours on end. Of course, this person is going to lose weight, but not the in a good way or the good kind. Muscle mass tends to go away as well, because the body has to nourish itself somehow. You also get people that try to lift huge weights that they are not ready for and and end up hurting themselves. Part of the issue is not being uneducated and the other part is feeling embarrassed in the gym. Listening to your body is extremely important at all times when exercising and dieting.

         

In the gym, you should schedule your workouts so that there is variety and you do not get bored. Strength training is just as important as cardio. Both types of exercise are great for you, but they are even better when they are working together. Again, you should listen to your body. , If you hate running, maybe try a Zumba class, and if lifting weights intimidates you, you could lay down a mat and try some strengthening yoga. A huge part of going to the gym is enjoying your workouts; it definitely helps keep you motivated and on track.

         

Calories and food are a whole other beast. Food is a wonderful thing and, everyone loves eating, but overeating and undereating are problems as well. Everyone has a basic understanding of what their body needs to sustain itself, and knows that calories give your body energy, but also can accumulate as fat. Counting calories is a system that tries to keep your calories at a certain, calculated level compared to your exercise. Counting calories can be tedious and demanding, and can become an unhealthy obsession. Again, it’s more important to listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry, and stop eating when you feel full. A great deal of people like to try and to cut out carbs or sugary foods when dieting, which usually ends in a binge of those restricted foods. The best advice is to eat healthy most of the time, and indulge once in a while. It’s all about balance and moderation.

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The human body is quite amazing, and often gives signals when something is not quite right. If you are tip-toeing close to this fine line of unhealthy behaviors, there are always people around to help you get back on track. On campus, there are athletic trainers and nutritionists that can help figure out the best plan for you. Personal counseling is also a great resource if you really veer off track. This is the body you have to live in for the rest of your life and you should treat it as such. Eat well and engage in some activity. But also have an ice cream every now and then- it’s good for the soul!