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5 Healthy Habits to Keep You on Track

By David Corrigan

Do you want to enjoy a long, healthy life? Have you ever noticed increased energy levels, and just felt good after exercising or making healthy changes in your diet? Most of us know that we are happier when we are healthier. So why don't we always make the best decisions? Laziness, taste, habit, social influences...many of these play a role in our choices.

Martial arts is an unbelievable way to get in shape and kickstart a healthy lifestyle. One of the reasons for this is that not only is it an enjoyable form of exercise, but the martial arts way of life will encourage healthy decisions both on and off the mat. Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, and probably the most neglected in the United States. We love our food!

Here is the good news - you don't have to give up all of your favorite food and beverages to live a healthy lifestyle. The key is achieving a desirable nutrition state.

What is a desirable nutrition state? This is when the body has enough nutrients to function properly and has stored excess for times of increased needs (working out). For many Americans, storing enough nutrients is not the problem...if you get my drift. Also keep in mind however, that a desirable nutrition state does not mean doing whatever it takes to be skinny. Some people take losing weight to the extreme and undernutrition can develop.

Here are 5 healthy habits every martial artist should develop:

1. Consume a healthy diet - a healthy diet should be varied, rich in fiber, and low in animal fats and trans fat. If you like fish, this is a great supplement to a healthy diet.
2. Maintain a healthy weight - remember this is not just exercising. The key to maintaining a healthy weight is calories in vs. calories out. Just because you burn 200 calories on the treadmill does not mean you can eat whatever you want....calories in versus calories out.
3. Exercise daily - find something that you love to do and stick to it.
4. Avoid the use of tobacco.
5. If you enjoy consuming alcohol, do so in moderation.

These 5 habits will carry you a long way. They are short and simple but essential. Stay tuned in to the blog and we will expound on many of these in more detail! See you on the mat...