With 2017 quickly approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to write about resolutions. Fitness resolutions are usually at the top of our list and this is your year to stick to it! Not just for January, but the whole year! Below are some tips that have helped me stick with my goals.
- I’m sure you’ve all heard it before but IT’S NOT A DIET, IT’S A LIFESTYLE. Seriously, if you look at fitness as a destination, it won’t last. When I first started my journey and wanted to lose weight, I thought I could eat 1200 calories a day until I got to my goal weight and then I’d be able to eat whatever I wanted to once I reached it. It was not only hard to stop myself from binge eating but it also slowed down my metabolism and made losing weight even harder as the weeks went on. If you think that once you get that flat stomach, those toned legs, that number on the scale, whatever your goal may be, you can go back to your diet and exercise routine from before, think again. The majority of people who do this end up gaining the weight back and sometimes even more. Know that this is going to take time and fall in love with the process.
- This brings me to my second tip: MAKE SURE YOU CAN STICK WITH YOUR ROUTINE LONG-TERM. If you haven’t worked out in months (or maybe even years) and your New Year’s resolution is to go to the gym 5 times a week, be realistic with yourself. If you have a busy schedule and know you’re going to be burnt out by week 2, commit to only 3 times a week. Make sure your goal is sustainable for more than a few weeks.
The same goes for nutrition. I remember telling myself that I wasn’t going to eat any chocolate, junk food, processed food or any “bad” food for 21 days. That lasted ohhh only about 3 days… Then I would go to the grocery store and buy every junk food item I was craving and devour them like I was starving. Then the cycle would start over and I would again tell myself I wouldn’t eat any junk. It wasn’t until I realized I could eat “bad” food occasionally and still reach my goals that I stuck to healthy eating and stopped binge eating. Treat yourself every now and then and you’ll keep yourself a lot more sane.
(If you have a sweet tooth like me, check out this Radical Rocky Road recipe!)
- MAKE A SCHEDULE. I love working out in the morning for a few reasons. One, it wakes me up in the morning and starts my day off on a positive note. Two, I don’t have to shower more than once a day (morning shower person here!). Three, the last thing I want to do after work is workout and since I don’t have to be at work until 9am, I have extra time in the morning. And four, the gym is A LOT less crowded than after work. If you’re not a morning person or you don’t have time in the morning, find a time throughout the day that works for you. Maybe you’d rather work out on your lunch break or after work. If so, that’s great! Just make sure to stick with it. 😉
- Everyone’s fitness journey is different so FIND WHAT WORKS FOR YOU. This tip goes hand-in-hand with the previous 3 tips. If you love working out in the evening, work out in the evening. If you enjoy a piece of chocolate every night, enjoy a piece of chocolate. If you’d rather eat healthy all week and have one “cheat meal” on the weekend, then do that. For me, I love sweets and I’ve decided I can’t give that up. I’ve found some great recipes and products that satisfy my sweet tooth. You can check out my blog for an awesome chocolate smoothie, protein pancakes and protein waffles recipe. I also love Square Organics and Yup Brands which have some delicious protein bars.
- And last but not least, ENJOY THE JOURNEY. One big reason people give up on their goal is because they get discouraged when they don’t see results. If you’re not seeing results after a few weeks, don’t quit. It takes awhile to see your body changing so continue to stick with it and know that it will pay off in the end. Enjoy the new journey you are on, enjoy challenging yourself and enjoy becoming a better version of yourself. Take progress pictures and you’ll realize just how far you’ve come.
Happy New Year and good luck with those resolutions!
One response to “How to Stick with Your Fitness Resolutions”
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