(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. 

• BlackDoctor.org is a credible and trusted resource for African Americans to get healthy lifestyle information.  A "WebMD" for Black consumers is a good way of looking at us.  Our aim is to build a comprehensive database of accurate, relevant information and to be the first point of call whenever African Americans need medical/dental information or a referral to a qualified Black doctor.