For those of us battling with weight, having fitness goals is helpful in making the long journey seem more of a success then a failure. Loosing weight does not happen over night, it takes time and constant diligence. Here are just a few tips to help keep you motivated and on track with your fitness/health goals
1. Wishing does not make it happen, the whole concept of "actions speak louder than words" applies greatly to loosing weight and becoming healthy.
2. Self control with your food is a huge factor. Just because you ran 3 miles today does not mean that you get to eat that piece of cake. Choose your food wisely. Set meal plans and pack lunches for work and make sure it is all food that will help your body not weaken it. Having a meal routine will help you stick to your goal. Also, do not eat snacks or food while watching TV, this becomes a habit and your mind will associate food with watching TV thus you will then snack more and more whenever you are relaxing on the couch. (Note 1 M&M = you walking the length of a football field to burn it off, chose wisely) This is something I struggle with since I have a sweet tooth. Look back on some of my past post and see what alternatives you can create to satisfy that sweet craving. Fruit is always a go to. Fruit is sweet and has natural sugars, partake in fruit when you're craving something sweet. :)
3. Have a steady workout routine. Make sure you plan out time to excise, and do your routine each week. I go to the gym every morning and have a routine that I do for each day of the week. If for some reason you miss a day, just keep going with your routine the next day. Do not stop and say you will pick it up next week because you "messed" up your days, keep motivated and continue what you can.
4. Take progress photos, measurements and weights. Every month or every few months take some progress photos to see your success. You'll really see a difference when you compare photos several months apart. This will make you very excited!!
5. Check out pintrest for motivation. There are lots of motivational sayings, photos, and stories from others doing the same thing you are.
6. Keep pushing yourself! Do not give up or take the easy route. If your daily routine is walking for 10 minutes, after a week try jogging for 10 minutes, then a week later run for 10 minutes. Push yourself to do bigger and better things! As for me, I boost up my time in cardio and my restraint each week as well as raise the number of weights I lift. I get so excited when I can bump up to lift 10 pounds heavier than I did the week before.
7. Drink lots of water! Drink like you're a fish and breathe in water rather than oxygen. The first few weeks you'll be running to the bathroom a lot, but after that your body will get used to it!
8. Prepare your food, and chew your food. Prepare fresh foods that are healthy for you. Then cut it into small pieces and chew your food carefully. This tricks your body that you are full on a smaller amount of food.
9. Talk about your success with a friend, let them know when you're feeling good, or when you are down and need encouragement. My buddy is my future hubby, he hates when I complain about a bad day, but loves to hear about my good ones! He's also there to help me remember that I don't want to eat that bowl of ice cream, because he doesn't want to hear me cry about it later. As harsh as it is to hear sometimes, I thank him for being so honest with me and helping me with my goals. A gym buddy is also helpful if you need just a little push to make sure you will go to the gym and workout.
10. Have a vision in your head of how you imagine yourself looking when you have reached your goal. Before you eat that snack or miss that day at the gym, remind yourself of the goal you have and want to be. Then decide if you still want to eat that high calorie treat or skip the gym.
Stick to it and don't give up!!! www.erinlynphotography.com
