Recently I wrote about the brand new lifestyle challenge that Nike and I have taken on, in an effort to get healthy and lose weight. Sadly, both of us have a few pounds of winter weight to lose, and we could both use a little more physical activity in our life.
It’s not easy, changing your lifestyle and habits, but I’m proud to report we’re making progress. We’ve both lost a couple of pounds and overall, we’re feeling much better. I’d call that a win, wouldn’t you?
If you’re wondering what I’m doing to lose weight and get healthy, let me tell you that it’s all a matter of making a few small changes to my lifestyle. Changes like:
- I’ve cut all soda and sugary drinks out of my diet. Did you know that even diet soda is unhealthy and can cause you to gain weight? It’s mostly due to the outrageous amounts of sodium in them, but I also believe that drinking too much soda prevents you from drinking the water your body so desperately needs. Nowadays that’s the only thing I drink; well, and my morning coffee and an occasional glass of unsweetened iced tea.
- When I eat, I am really mindful of what I’m eating and how much. I try to eat a small snack, around 100 calories, every 3-5 hours. Doing that keeps me from feeling hungry, which keeps me from raiding the pantry looking for whatever I can find to munch on.
- I’ve started walking every single evening, rain or shine, with or without Nike. I’ve found that 30-45 minutes of medium to fast-paced walking gets my heart rate up (cardio, yay!), makes me sweat a little, and is a great way to clear the mind. I keep track of my daily steps using a FitBit, which helps keep me focused and aware of my daily activity.
Speaking of walking with Nike, the added exercise we get from living with a dog is just one of the many ways dogs make humans healthier. Take a look at this adorable infographic to learn about a few more:
See what I mean? There are so many amazing benefits that come from living with a dog, and I’m sure there are so many more than just the ones listed here… like the unconditional love a dog has for her family. That’s a benefit that’s hard to beat, wouldn’t you agree?
Your turn: what do you consider the biggest benefit of living with your dog? Let’s chat about it in a comment below!
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Kimberly Gauthier says
June 12, 2015 at 12:20 amOur dogs have definitely improved my health. After everything I’ve learned about their nutrition I started to pay attention to my own nutrition. I cut way back on the amount of sugar I consume. I rarely have a soda; I drink 70-80 ounces of water daily, and I’m exercising again. I love it!
Jessica Harlow says
June 12, 2015 at 4:55 amI did not grow up having a dog, but my husband did. When we decided we wanted to be a dog family, it was a big step for me. Now I can’t imagine our lives without our furry friend! The biggest benefit I see for us is that he gives us more fun. There are more laughs with him around and less stress (with the exception of my constant drool wiping). lol Our dog is a 200lb St Bernard so there’s a lot of drool (and hair). He’s totally worth it though!
Tina @ My Highest Self says
June 12, 2015 at 7:58 amI actually don’t have a dog so I’m kind of astounded at all that dogs can do! I know my BFF loves hers, they are her babies, so I know the importance of these wonderful pets.
April Ockerman says
June 12, 2015 at 8:23 amWow dogs really are such an integral part of life or can be. We have almost always had one around and as much mess and trouble as they can be, I can’t imagine not having them here. They love you no matter what and can lift your spirits and cuddle you when you feel like there is no one left. Amazing.
Ursula Barzey says
June 12, 2015 at 6:32 pmI don’t have a dog of my own, but for exactly some of the reasons listed above, I’ve been thinking about signing up for one of those services that lets you walk a dog for someone who isn’t able. Thinking it’s time to revisit since I’m also on a health kick.
becca says
June 12, 2015 at 7:52 pmI feel pets in general make life better. Dogs are definitely a great pet.
Emily @ So Damn Domestic says
June 14, 2015 at 12:23 amI really need to take my dog for more walks… we love playing fetch in the back yard though. It’s also really nice that she “cleans up” when the kids drop food on the floor. haha.
Renee P says
June 14, 2015 at 2:29 pmWe weren’t a dog family but a 4 cat family I wanted a dog for protection when my husband wasn’t home, so we visited the shelter and came home with a pit bull. He started out in a crate in our garage and a kennel in the yard (our yard isn’t fenced). When it got cold, we brought the crate inside – then the crate stayed in because he didn’t want to be out, plus he didn’t want to be out in the kennel. Before we knew it, he was sleeping in our bed and laying with me on the couch all day. I have health issues and he really seems to know when I’m not feeling well. Now I am training him to be my service dog and he is doing really well at it. We have really come to love our dog and couldn’t imagine life without him – we wonder how we got along before he came into our lives. Also, we are realizing that life is easier with a dog than with cats. I still love my cats but my dog is my buddy and best friend!
krystal says
June 14, 2015 at 9:30 pmI am loving these facts. I am such a big dog person and have adopted three so far. I could have an entire household full!
Chelsea Price says
June 14, 2015 at 10:36 pmSUCH an amazing infographic! Sharing! 🙂
Rachel Sheppard says
June 15, 2015 at 2:32 amCorgi picture!! So proud of you! Rooney and I are try to get in shape as well. So far so good!
Anne says
June 16, 2015 at 12:34 pmI love the fact that my dog is always ready and happy to do something. Anything.He never takes a day off or just doesn’t feel like it.
leeanna says
June 27, 2015 at 9:01 amI am missing the 52 snapshots link today… will you be posting it?
I think dogs make us healthier in so many ways. To go a step further, I think they carry less problems in stores or restaurants than children, there I’ve said it! We like to go to outdoor patio restaurants so our poodle can come along. We support pet friendly hotels too.
Kayla says
September 9, 2015 at 5:53 pmNacho makes me smile and laugh every day.