This is a guest post from Sheila Olson from Fit Sheila
The creation of a new goal always starts off with so much ambition and promise. You may have vowed to yourself that you will workout religiously or eat a healthy diet at least 80 percent of the time. While you may have started off with a bang, as time passes, you may notice that your fitness goals have fallen by the wayside. Fortunately, you can still get back on the bandwagon and achieve the fitness results you want. Here are some tips to help you get started and achieve your fitness & wellness goals immediately.
1. Pay Attention to What You Put Into Your Body
What you put into your body directly affects your ability to perform well in all aspects. You may think that a drink or two after work is helping you unwind, but it may actually be setting you up for alcohol dependency later on down the line. Drinking also clouds your ability to think sharply on your feet, which can lead to more problems in your career.
Fill your body with food that gives you energy and will benefit your appearance and overall mood. Foods that are heavy in sugar and are overly processed will not only zap your energy, but they will also resurface around your midsection. Eat a diet that is rich in leafy, green vegetables, fatty oils like olive oil, lean proteins such as salmon and mackerel, and nuts and fruits.
If you struggle with eating healthy while on the go, always pack healthy snack options in your bag to keep you on track. Also, eliminate processed foods and sugar from your diet, the latter of which can lead to weight gain and dental problems that could turn into issues with depression if left unchecked.
2. Change Your Routine
Boredom is one of the leading causes of getting off track with your exercise efforts. When your routine lacks variety, you begin to look at working out as a chore instead of a fun and exciting habit. Having this outlook makes it difficult to have the motivation you need to stay active so it’s necessary to frequently switch up your routine. Chances are whatever you were doing did not work for you, which is why you slacked off. Evaluate what you did and how you can make it more effective for you as the season’s change.
If the weather is warm, get out of the gym and on the pavement. Join a local runners club or start training for a 5k. For those days when the weather just isn’t cooperating, try out a new class such as Zumba or kickboxing. The more proactive you become in trying new routines, the more successful you will be at actually sticking to your fitness goals.
3. Find a Workout That Actually Works
Many people feel short on time and can’t commit to working out regularly. If you find a lack of time to be an issue, try getting creative in order to add activity into your day. This is as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator while at work. Or if you have a dog, this is the perfect excuse to get outside for a 30-minute walk every evening. If you’re a new mom and a former runner, don’t feel like you’re stuck at home just in case the baby gets hungry.
With a quality nursing sports bra and a decent stroller, you can hit the pavement with your little one and easily stop to nurse. The idea is to find unique ways to fit in exercise, even if it’s short bursts throughout the day. If you keep an open mind, you will find that there are plenty of opportunities in your daily routine that will provide the space to be active.
It’s natural to be upset with yourself for veering off course when it comes to your fitness goals; however, it’s important that you not dwell in negativity. You have the power to change things around, so get back up, and continue moving forward.
This post was written by Sheila Olson. Make sure to check out her fitness blog here: Fit Sheila
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