Perhaps, like many women you find a workout routine that works for you, but this new workout regimen can get stale after a while.

And then you get bored, finally you just abandon the routine altogether.

One of the key ways is to keep up with your overall health every day, rather than focusing on the exercise aspect or eating the right things.

Making sure you feel good is an important part of practicing self-care, and this includes finding ways to relax and de-stress.

However, if you feel like you don’t know where to start where healthy eating and living is concerned, it’s important to learn what’s right for your body and go from there.

If you are living with a condition that can makes exercise difficult, consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

Here are 5 of the best ways to get in shape and maintain it.

1. Introduce your tastebuds to substitutes foods when dining in or out

If you love carbs and sugary sweets, it’s still possible to eat well and trick your body into thinking you’re giving it what it craves.

The key is to substitute one thing for another; for instance, mash cauliflower with no-calorie seasoning and a dash of butter instead of piling those mashed potatoes on your plate, or use whole-wheat pasta on spaghetti-and-meatball night to avoid those refined sugars.

It’s possible to train your body to reach for healthier options if you know where to look.

2. Get in shape by working out whenever you can

You might think it’s impossible to find time to work out, but the trick is to work it into the schedule you already have instead of carving time out of your day.

One easy way to do this is to use your lunch break at work to take a brisk walk around the block a few times, or run up and down the stairs at home at night after dinner.

You can even incorporate a workout into your chores; cleaning the house is a great way to shed some calories, especially if you make it a point to keep a steady pace while you dust and vacuum.

While you may realize the physical benefits of chasing and playing with your grandkids, many women don’t realize that their beloved pet can be a fun, easy source of exercise.

For instance, you can take your dog for extended daily walks or take him to the dog park for a game of fetch.

If you don’t have a pup of your own, offering to take your friend’s dog for a walk is a great way to inject some fun physical activity into your day.

3. Set up your home/condo or apartment with a gym area

If you have space in your home to spare, you can transform it into a beautiful functional home gym with some basic gear and a few minor modifications to your home.

While you can probably set up a treadmill, exercise bike, and other equipment you might need, hiring a handyman to handle things like adding outlets, hiding cords/wires, and installing exercise-safe flooring might be in your best interest.

Fortunately, it won’t destroy your budget to hire a pro to help you out; here in Chicago, you can hire a handyman for around $159 to $568 (the size of the project will ultimately play a huge role in the price).

4. Carve out and schedule in some “Me time”

It’s imperative that you find healthy ways to de-stress and make yourself happy, so don’t forget to practice self-care.

  • take time and read an amazing book

  • splurge on a massage once a month (average cost $60 p/hr)

  • take a long hot bath before bed

  • indulge in a dessert of chocolate-covered fruit with a dollop of low-fat whipped cream

Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that makes you feel good. After all, that’s what it’s all about!

5. Get the family involved and get in shape

Everything’s better when you do it with the people you love, so consider getting your family involved in your workout routine and help them learn healthy habits when it comes to food choices.

Take a long walk together after dinner, or start an outdoor game night when the weather is nice.

If you enjoyed this article check out… Are your eating habits getting out of control.