No matter what your goal is, a healthy lifestyle is often easier said than done. It takes motivation, education, and a great deal of drive. It's a physical and a mental challenge every day and can be even harder if your idea of health is only slowing you down. So, while you're striving to lose weight, build muscle, run a marathon, or whatever your goal, remember these things:
1. There is more to working out than running on a treadmill.
No matter what you're trying to accomplish, do yourself a favor and switch things up. Add weights, increase your incline, run up and down a flight of stairs. You won't help yourself by doing the same thing 5 days a week, especially as your body adjusts. Besides that, does anyone actually enjoy doing the same workout day after day?
2. Don't deprive yourself.
Recently, a yearly checkup resulted in me being told I had elevated levels of cholesterol and glucose. This sent me into panic mode trying to cut out everything with cholesterol and sugar in it. When I came to my senses, I realized I could eat healthy, and still treat myself to a burger if I want. This is such a key realization everyone needs to have. One bad meal is not going to ruin all your progress. We were not meant to survive on low-calorie meals. Your body needs carbs and fats to an extent. TREAT YO SELF.
3. Water, water, water.
Watch how your body changes when you replace coffee and energy drinks with water. Your focus and energy levels will increase as you begin drinking more water throughout the day. Your kidneys, liver, and complexion are just a few examples of things that will thank you for hydrating properly. Even if you do feel like a total dweeb for carrying a gallon of water around everywhere.
4. LIFT. THOSE. WEIGHTS.
Studies show that women who lift weights burn about 100 more calories in the following 24 hours than women who only do cardio. Stop being afraid you'll get "bulky". You won't. You will however, see a nicer booty, more muscle definition, and a skyrocket of confidence if you're anything like me. The choice is yours.
5. You are more than the number on a scale.
In some instances, like competing, the number does make a difference. Regardless, never let it determine your success. Measure it in the way your clothes fit, the level of confidence you may not have had before, or the progress you've made since you started working out. 150 pounds looks a lot different on a girl who is 5'9" than a girl who is 5'2". Is the number frustrating at times? Of course it is. Does it make you any less successful if you're working your butt off every day to better yourself? No way. Love your body. Nourish it. Exercise it. And always be kind to it.
