Phrases like, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” make us think that there is one way to ensure our health and well being is where it should be in order to live a long a prosperous life.  But in actuality there is no one way to keep our bodies running at tip-top shape, but yet it come from a combination of things that we all can do.  These key techniques are ones we can remember to help us work toward our goals and that shape, we all dream of.  I call it the H.E.L.P. regime.  Now I’m not talking about the Beatles song, I’m talking about the four things you need to remember when working towards your health, wellness and fitness goals.

Regardless of if you are trying to lose weight, maintain your current weight, gain weight or get cut up using H.E.L.P., you will get there.  Here’s how:

H– Hydrate:  Your body is made up of 55-60% water.  Understanding this you must give it water to continue to function.  Without considering your goals you should drink at least 64 ounces of water (if not more) a day.  Now I know some people do not like it, they would much rather have the sweet flavor of a nice bubbly beverage or the hot froth of your favorite café drink and that’s fine.  If you choose to indulge great just add 16 ounces of water for every 8 ounces of non-water liquid you drink.  This will flush your system and ensure you are hydrated.

E – Exercise:  Yes, exercise.  This is the basic principle of health and wellness, you have to burn more than consumed to loss, burn the same and consumed to maintain, and burn less than consumed to gain.   But more importantly incorporating some type of exercise helps more than just your waistline but your heart, blood circulation, lungs and breathing, stamina, as well as your ability to stay focused.  Even if it’s parking a few spots further or getting off the elevator a floor early and walking the steps, these little things add up.

L– Lasting:  Whatever you do, plan to keep it going.   A well maintained routine will benefit you more than on-again, off-again ways of life.  Find something you like and stick to it, and I am not just talking about the machines in the gym.  If you like South Beach because it works, go for it. Jenny Craig, great.  Weight Watchers, perfect.  Or just good old counting calories, fine.  Just pick one, like the cardio machine you picked today in the gym.  Skipping around will get you nothing but an increase blood pressure and a lack of results, which is not what you want at all. 

P – Positive:  Staying positive is half the battle.  We did not get away from our goals in one day and we will not accomplish them in one day.  Reminding yourself that if it’s worth having it takes time and hard work.  We all have our bad days, but staying positive is necessary to keep pushing yourself and working to achieve whatever it is you are trying to accomplish.  Your attitude is your altitude, remember that. 

Your goals are just that, YOURS.  Using the H.E. L.P. regime will get you moving towards your targets and ensure you stay on track.  Take it day-by-day and before you know it your goals will be met and you will have new goals to work towards.  H.E.L.P. is an amazing thing, if you just ask for it.