Everyone wants to be healthy. Everyone wants to be fit and eat right but it's extremely challenging to do this especially when it can be a considerable lifestyle change for many. Here are eight tips to help make this change easier.
1. Make it a routine
Scheduling a workout into your day ahead of time makes it easier to execute your plan. If you plan out your day ahead of time, you are more likely to accomplish what you want. Also, meal planning and preparation can dramatically change how you eat. If you prepare your meals for the week ahead of time you'll cut down on the time you spend in the kitchen each day and cut down on cheat meals that you eat when you don't have time to make a healthy option.
2. Find an accountability partner
It can be challenging to motivate yourself to get to the gym on long days or when you're sore. It can also be challenging to turn down the ice cream or the cookies when you get home from work. Finding an accountability partner to talk with and check in on you is a good way to keep yourself on the right course. It's especially helpful if your accountability partner goes to the gym with you or preps meals when you do.
3. Take baby steps
If you're accustomed to drinking three pops a day or eating a cookie with every meal you probably shouldn't completely cut all that stuff out of your diet right away. Cut it down to one pop a day, then one a week until you can cut it out completely. Likewise, if you never go to the gym, starting at seven days a week, three hours a day is a sure fire way to burn you out and make you hate what you're doing. Start by doing 30 minutes a day three days a week and build up to daily workouts. Don't forget to plan your workouts ahead of time to make your gym time more efficient. Never forget that even baby steps still move us forward.
4. Progress checks
Take a picture of yourself when you begin your new lifestyle. Don't share it with anyone. It's for you to see and for you to look back on when you make the progress you want. Also, don't look at the scale too much. Weight fluctuates and as you gain muscle your weight may not drop as much as you'd like. More importantly, pay attention to how your clothes fit and how you feel. Your weight may not change but you will find yourself with more energy and feeling more confident. That's what is important.
5. Positive self talk
You may not always make the forward progress you want but that doesn't mean you should stop. It's important to continuously tell yourself positive things. Write messages to yourself on a mirror or set a daily reminder on your phone to remind you of the progress you're making even when the scale doesn't show it or you don't feel it.
6. Don't give up the things you like the most
Changing your lifestyle to be more healthy doesn't mean you have to stop eating the delicious things you like. First, find alternative ways to make the sweet treats that you crave. There are ways to use sugar alternatives, flour alternatives and substitute ingredients to make the things you like the most in a healthier way. Moderation is key here. You can still have an occasional bowl of ice cream as long as occasional doesn't turn into every day.
7. Utilize a support system
Making a big change like this can be hard alone. Find a group of people to support you. Social media is a great way to share your progress with others and get support from people who know and care about you. Sharing your journey with family members and close friends who will encourage you along the way is helpful on the days you don't feel like going to the gym or the days where you want to eat an entire cheesecake and watch Netflix all day.
8. Keep your "why" in mind
This is a big one. You have to know why you are trying to be healthy. Maybe it's so you feel more confident in your body. Maybe it's because you want to live longer for your kids. Maybe it's because your family has a history of heart problems and you want to make sure you give yourself the best chance. Whatever your why is, don't lose sight of it. When you lose sight of why you're doing something, your commitment may dwindle and you may lose the motivation to keep going. Always remember your why and you'll accomplish all the goals you want.
