Your company's recent merger is on a tidy timetable. Your IT department backs up your valuable data every Friday at 9. The water cooler guy arrives every Tuesday at noon. Busy executives know the importance of structure and regularity in juggling business responsibilities. But should you be so rigid when it comes to your nutrition and fitness routines and choices?

Having well-established habits and a consistent routine is great. But it’s not healthy to assume every fitness rule is set in stone. It's important to be flexible in your habits. If you want to get fit, lose weight and live a longer, stronger life then become aware and conscious of the real effects of some of your nutrition and exercise choices.

Get the Skinny on These 3 Widely Accepted  “Fitness Rules” to Discover Why They May Not Work for You Anymore

1. Eat 5 meals throughout the day.

While it’s true that eating throughout the day helps keep your energy up so you can make those important decisions, your hunger under control, and your metabolism burning, it’s important to not eat TOO much. Quite often your small snacks or mini-meals turn into over-sized portions. So, even if you are making healthy selections, keep portion sizes in check. Think of the "handful" portion rule—a handful of nuts, a palm-sized piece of protein—and you'll be keeping portions in better perspective.

2. Stick to an exercise routine.

Consistency might be good for your business, but variation is better when it comes to your fitness routine. Don't tie yourself to the treadmill when you could have fun with an occasional yoga class or sign up for softball. I guarantee if you don’t include variety in your fitness plan, you will eventually hit a fitness plateau. Although you will always be getting heart healthy benefits from any form of exercise, your body may not change unless you mix it up. Not ready to give up your favorite exercise?  You don’t have to! If you like walking or biking, add a few hills. Or go on a slower, longer jaunt one day and pick up the pace the next. More variety equals more results!

3. Plan your meals ahead.

We've all had those long days at the office where one thing leads to the next and suddenly you're home tired, stressed and starving. Now you’re less than thrilled with the chicken breast and broccoli you know has been waiting in your fridge. There's no need to be so rigid with meal planning. Mapping out meals before you get hungry is smart, but so is including enough variety to give you several appealing options. Keep your freezer stocked with healthy protein options like fish and lean beef. Fill your crisper with fresh fruits and veggies. Allow yourself to go for something tasty and satisfying within a range of smart and healthy options.

So don’t forget to sometimes question those widely accepted hard-and-fast fitness and nutrition rules. Think about the real impact your choices have on your health and energy level. Be flexible in the range of options you create for yourself. And always remember that losing weight getting into physical shape should be fun and eating should be a pleasure as well as a health choice.