Let’s be honest. The first few weeks we’re out of work aren’t so bad. We can sleep late, eat when we want, and channel surf our favorite TV shows all day in our pajamas. However, this soon-to-be-poor lifestyle if we don’t get a job can get out of hand. Before we know it, the bad clothes set in. Before you round that bend, there are things you can do to stop the “fat gremlin.” Here are six ideas that can help you get in shape for a healthier life.

1. Include fiber in your breakfast

Now that you’re not rushing out the door to work in the morning, you have time to slowly eat a nutritious breakfast. Most of us, at one point or another, have been guilty of reaching for anything edible to start our day. Why not try adding some fiber to your breakfast? Eating enough fiber can play an important role in preventing some major diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Better yet, no more constipation.

2. Make an exercise schedule

This doesn’t have to be difficult. Take out a sheet of paper and enter what type of exercise you would like to do each day. You don’t need to spend money and join a gym. Save money and look around the house. Are there old exercise tapes, DVDs or exercise equipment gathering dust that you forgot in your closet? If so, go for it! I found out I had a wonderful Richard Simmons tape waiting for me to break a sweat. If you’re not so lucky, another option is to visit his local library. They always have fitness training DVDs, tapes, and books. Also, some exercise or fitness sites have downloads starting at 99 cents. Even if you don’t buy a download, his short video clips will give you great exercise tips.

3. start juicing

Start juicing. Juice is work. There are no shortcuts to juicing. However, the rewards are worth it. Over time, you’ll feel more energetic and overall healthier. There are excellent juicing sites on the internet that contain lots of advice for beginners like you. Since you now have more time to prep, drink, and unfortunately clean up after yourself, now is the perfect time to start juicing.

4. Start a backyard garden and save money

Juice may not be for you. It’s okay, just start a backyard garden with that extra time you have. You may need a minimal investment in seeds, plants, and tools to get the project started. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that for every $100 spent gardening, it produces $1,000 to $1,700 worth of produce. What a great way to save money and get great nutrition with fresh organic vegetables straight from the garden for your family. Even Michelle Obama has started a garden at the White House. If you don’t know where to start with her garden or just need guidance, learn how Michelle started her garden, what vegetables she grew, and the process she used.

5. drink more water

I never drink enough water, especially when I was working forty hours a week. Since our bodies are made up of approximately 60-70% water, most of us need to drink more water than we need. A nutrition website says we should drink half our body weight in ounces. If you weigh 140 pounds, you should drink 70 ounces a day. Drink an adequate amount of water and you will be energized.

6. Volunteer or encourage one person per week

Get out of the house and volunteer. Volunteers are accepted at local hospitals, wildlife organizations, and shelters. If you don’t want to volunteer, at least call or write to one person a week who needs support. By focusing on others, you will be encouraged and glow with a new spirit. A happy person is a healthier person.

You may be unemployed, but you don’t have to feel sluggish and out of shape. Starting today you can replace bad clothes with good clothes. By implementing some or all of these suggestions, you will feel better. So get off the couch, the right job is waiting for the new you!