5 Real Guy Vices & How to Survive Day to Day to Be Healthier and More Fit
Real Guys have vices. That's just the way it is, we're not perfect, we're real. But I'm not here to talk about your gambling or sex problems, that's another topic for another day, and probably another person. Instead, I'm here to talk about real guy vices that affect our fitness, lifestyles and nutritional plans and goals.
We all have things that trip us up, and these vices can start out innocently and end up completely sabotaging our fitness plans no matter how many nutrition tips for men articles we read, and no matter how much we know better. We do it anyway, and that's the point, it's a vice.
In this article, we'll go over 5 real guy vices that sabotage our health and fitness plans, and how we can survive day-to-day with them, live healthier, and become fitter as a result.
Drinking
Drinking, of course, is high on the list amongst other vices for lots of guys out there, myself included. I'm not here to preach to you or try to get you to stop drinking. Instead, I'll give you 4 golden rules to lose weight and drink alcohol together, because this site is about real solutions for Real Guys, and nothing else.
The point is, if you're going to drink, you have to make smart decisions about what you're putting into your body and how much you're doing it. Diet mixers, lighter beers, avoiding fruity drinks and the like are quick health fixes that can help you trim the calories out of the alcohol you're consuming so you still stay on track with your health and fitness plan.
Game Food - Chicken Wings, Chips & Dip, Etc.
What beats hanging out with the guys, and having some good game food? Chicken wings... chips and dips... burgers... whatever it is, it's delicious, and you're just trying to relax and have a good time. But if you do this too often or too excessively, you're going to pile on the pounds around your midsection faster than your favorite team blew that fourth quarter lead.
The thing to remember is that fitness isn't about dieting, it's about lifestyle. That means making trade-offs, compromises and smart decisions all day long. If you know you're going to indulge in some chicken wings and BBQ on game day, then you better have a healthy few days running into that, and you better practice moderation and portion control. Don't try to eliminate your favorites, just make better decisions.
Video Games & Television
Video games are fun. TV is man's best friend, one that you can enjoy with your other best friend, your dog, on the couch together. But too much time sitting there on that couch and you're missing out on some much needed exercise and physical activity. So you have to limit your periods of time spent consecutively in front of the couch, and you have to take breaks to get outside and get some air. Better yet, start using the new wave of exercise and fitness video games, and get some activity in while you lounge at the same time.
Overeating & Snacking
Yea, it's only an hour until dinner. But you're hungry now, so you snack, and you probably consume a ton of empty calories in the process. Or maybe it's after dinner, you're already full, but you have another portion or a dessert anyway, because I mean, hey, why not? But nothing contributes to more weight gain and failed fitness plans than this kind of approach to your eating.
Instead, you should plan on snacking all throughout the day, which will keep your metabolism up while preventing you from getting too hungry and overeating to begin with. Sounds pretty sweet, right? Just choose the right snack foods, like these healthy snacks for men which will provide you with nutrients and help you achieve your goals.
Your Favorite... Coffee/Sandwich/etc.
Everybody has that one "favorite" of theirs, that they are always drawn to, multiple times per week. Maybe it's that foot-long meatball sub at the local sandwich joint that gets you going. Maybe it's a Starbucks caramel frappa-whatever-it's-called. Whatever it is, it's packing on the calories and ruining your fitness and weight loss goals.
What you need to do is set a hard and fast rule for how much of these you're allowed to consume. Once per week is the right place to start, if you're doing more than that already. Then, consider if you can make any simple switches that can reduce its impact. Can you get skim milk or a "light" version of that Starbucks? Is that foot-long sub available in a 6" size?
All Real Guys have our vices. But with the above tips and insight, you should be able to live a healthier and fitter lifestyle day-to-day, without giving up everything you enjoy the most.
Tags: alcohol, empty calories, fitness & weight loss motivation, healthy snacks for men, nutrition & diet tips for men
