Being fit does not only apply to the ability to look thin and graceful as a result of exercises or running track but encompasses a whole lot of activities including outdoor sports, dancing, aerobicsand even eating right.

Many people are guilty of hurriedly eating whatever is set in front of them as food forgetting that this has a cross-section of side effects.

The following are ways to stay fit:

Regular exercise - This is really important and care must be taken to indulge in different kinds, so as to keep the body alert. Performing the same routine all the time, everyday, could make the body get used to that particular exercise. You can decide to interchange pilates postures, yoga, aerobics and dancing on different days of the week. As long as you spice up your routine this way, your body would not know what to expect and you would get maximum results, on the other hand, working out would not become monotonous and boring for you. If you are not the disciplined type who can engage in working out alone, join a local gym or hire a personal trainer so you would be accountable to someone else.

Eating right - This basically means that you must never skip meals, no matter how tight your schedule is, always take your breakfast, lunch and dinner When you skip meals, your body reacts negatively and stores up food, so the next time you “starve”, the body will have something to work with and a pattern of this, leads to obesity. Another dimension to eating right, is to make sure that you stock up on fruits and vegetables and eat less fatty and fried foods as well as junk foods. But do not deny yourself anything, just eat in moderation and eat less processed foods, go for fresh foods and home cooked meals and home made fruit juices, they are absent preservatives, which do more harm than good to your body. Try as much as possible to reduce alcohol intake to the barest minimum and if you can, avoid it altogether.

Think less - Worry is an enemy of good health as it makes you look older, stressed out and either makes you over-eat or starve, both of which is bad for you. Try as much as possible to be less anxious about problems in your life bearing in mind that everyone has issues and being worried does not make things better. Think less and give your body the rest and nutrition it needs, when you are less tense and relaxed, you become stronger and will therefore be in a better position to tackle your issues.

Care for your skin - The skin is the physical outlook of your body and you need to care for it, just as you do your mind and body mass. Avoid bleaching creams and soaps, stick to creams and soaps that are in sync with your skin type, visit a dermatologist if you have to, avoid scratching mosquito bites on your skin, allow injuries heal naturally because when you feed properly, wounds will heal and leave no mark on your skin. During dry season, make use of moisturizers to keep your skin moist. For the women, wash off all traces of make up from your face before going to bed every night.

Do more physically- Instead of driving all the time, choose to park your car and take a walk, taking in fresh natural air as you do so. Also, make use of the staircase, as opposed to elevators, engage in house chores and do not pawn the work off to someone else, those few minutes will do you a world of good, in terms of cardio-vascular exercise needs.

Speed up your metabolism rate - Drink a lot of water, substitute that bottle of mineral water for water, get as much sleep as you can; do not expect to sleep properly with your television or sound system blaring loudly, switch it off and enjoy a peaceful sleep. If you have the time, observe your siesta, if not, get your rest at night. If you are a day over 25, leave the chocolate beverages to growing children, go for green and herbal tea instead. All these, contribute to speeding up your metabolism rate, thereby ensuring that your system is not clogged.

Bear in mind that whatever helps physically, helps mentally. Maintain good health and pass on these habits to your children, teach them to eat healthy and engage in school sports like football, swimming and athletics. Avoid waiting to clock 40 before you start thinking of adopting healthy habits. Start gradually until you get used to it and do not hate yourself if you fall off the wagon, for there is no perfection in human endeavours.