Editor's Note: We had a chance to sit down and chat with former NFL football player and current television star, Michael Strahan, who was kind enough to share with us his tips on balancing fitness, nutrition and motivation while leading a busy life. We'll be sharing his best tips in this ongoing series, ''A Minute with Michael.'' These days, it seems like everyone is searching for the elusive concept of ''balance.'' Between family, friends, work and other obligations, it can be incredibly difficult to ''have it all'' without giving up all your sanity to do so. But although it's tough to portion out your limited time, it is still possible! Like anything else that's worth having, you just have to work to achieve that balance. Michael Strahan is living proof that it really is doable to live a fulfilling, well-rounded life based on your personal goals and priorities. Check out how he manages to achieve balance on a busy schedule. Then, adopt some of his pointers in your own life! .jpg) SP: How do you make time for yourself and your personal goals when you’re so busy?MS: I know it might not seem like it, but I really do know how to say ''no''! Because my free time is so limited, I only take on projects that get me excited to get out of bed in the morning. I try to be realistic about what I can and cannot do—I know my role in every project I’m a part of and make sure the demands of the job won’t interfere with the most important part of my life--family. SP: What are some simple ways a person can start adopting healthy habits that easily fit into their day? MS: I’m going to sound like a dad right now, but: eat your fruits and vegetables! Also, take the stairs when you can. Park a little bit further away from the store and walk. Do what I do and add Metamucil to your water bottle for a fiber boost, or add it to your morning smoothie. The little things add up—doing something simple every day will become a habit. SP: What are some of the small things you do each day that have a big impact on your healthy lifestyle? MS: I eat five to six small meals a day now instead of three squares. I really don’t count calories—but I know my body. I know what foods make me feel good and what foods don’t. You have to pay attention to what works for you. Try a probiotic. I like MetaBiotic™ because it has Bio-Active 12™, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system and promote a healthy immune system*. You won’t know how good you can feel every day until you try!  SP: What are some ways you wind down, relieve stress and relax?MS: Sleep! I don’t get a lot of it so when I can get it, trust me, I’m making it happen. I also enjoy playing golf. I like being outside with my friends, taking my time to finish 18 holes and playing a sport where I don’t have to hit people! But my number one has to be spending time with my family. SP: What are your biggest priorities or goals in life and how do you keep them at the forefront of a busy day? MS: My biggest goal right now is making sure I am doing my best in everything I do. I’ve gotten so many new opportunities in the last few years and I’m just trying to give them my all, every day. If you’d told me 10 years ago that my life would look like this, I would’ve said you were crazy. But I’ve really seen first-hand what can happen if you just stay open to any possibility and never get complacent. I think that’s the plan for the long-term. The second I feel like I don’t have the time to give something my all, I’ll have to rethink this busy life! How do you fit healthy habits into your busy schedule? The "A Minute with Michael" series is brought to you by Meta, a SparkPeople sponsor.
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