(BlackDoctor.org) -- For many, exercise can be overwhelming. To think of week after week of dieting and exercising just seems too demanding.  So instead of thinking of a healthy lifestyle as a program, regimen, or challenging routine, simply think of exercise as a part of your life! To do this, add these basics for health and wellness to your lifestyle and you’re certain to reap the rewards.

#1:  Add at least ten or more minutes of cardiovascular exercise to your day. EVERY DAY! Take a ten minute walk. Walk the stairs at your job. Dance at home for ten minutes. Get on the treadmill. Take an aerobics class at your gym.  Put in one of your exercise videos. Remember, it’s only 10 MINUTES.

# 2: Keep track of what you eat and limit your cheat meal to one per week. Eat small meals consistently throughout the day. No more skipped breakfasts, oversized lunches, and late dinners. Then cut off your eating at least two hours before bedtime.

#3: Add water to your day. Keep a bottle on your desk and one in your car. Sip water throughout the day for energy, hydration and to rid your body of toxins. 

Remember, a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to feel like drudgery. You can make fitness a lifestyle and not an arduous regimen by adding these simple things to your day. 

By Elana Fitch, BDO Contributing Writer

Elana Fitch, M.A., M.S., is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and the Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). She is a mom of four daughters ages 21, 18, 9, and 8 years old and knows firsthand of the struggles with body weight and image.  Elana is available for online health coaching or one-on-one personal training. For dynamic, inspiring fitness instruction or speaking engagements on living a FIT life with Faith-Inspired Training, you can contact Elana directly at ewf623@yahoo.com or 773.581.9872.