Six Tips to Stick with your 2019 Fitness and Eating Plans

​Well the New Year has started which means new resolutions. I don’t know about you but I have always had a hard time keeping the ones I make each year, but this year is different. I have decided to commit to my goal of eating healthy and being active in 2019. I know it is easier said than done but here are some tips that I am using to motivate myself which I hope can motivate you as well!
 
#1.) Start small. I know we all want that beach body with six-pack abs, but that is not going to happen overnight. You need to ease your body into your workouts so you don’t end up hurting yourself. Find a plan that works for you and ease your way into using heavier weights and doing more reps. If you have days where you are feeling off or under the weather, something small like taking a short walk around your block is better than remaining sedentary for the day. We all have to start somewhere! You will get where you want to be just take it one day at a time, have patience and trust in yourself.
 
#2.) Congratulate yourself after achieving progress, no matter how small you think it may be. This progress could be something as little as picking up a piece of fruit to eat instead of a chocolate. It is a small act, but will mean a lot in the long run. Each day, I write down a list of the things I accomplished that will put me one step closer to my goal. It is not an easy process, so be sure to always be proud of yourself because your self-confidence is what will keep you going.
 
#3.) Balance. Starting a fitness and diet plan doesn’t mean you can never eat unhealthy food, it just means doing it in moderation. There is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with your favourite treat every once and a while, as long as you make sure you completed your workout for the day. Having someone who will keep you accountable is a great tool to make sure you eat right and to have someone who won’t let you say “well I can just work out tomorrow.”
 
#4.) Make a routine. I think this is one the of the best ways to stick to your goal, because if you plan out your days it makes you more inclined to follow it. For me, sticking to a routine is hard as I can easily convince myself to shy away from it. That is why I have started to sign up for fitness classes, because then you have made a commitment and you don’t want to let the instructor or your class down. Record what you do in the week so you can see your progression in terms of the weights you use and how you have filled up free hours in your day with physical activity instead of doing something else like watching Netflix for countless hours.
 
#5.) Meal Prep. I get it, when you are tired from work and are on your way home and you pass by a McDonalds, it seems like a way easier option than going home to cook and to do dishes. This is where meal-prepping comes in handy, as your meal will be ready for you when you get home and you can also take these meals for lunch. A couple of my favourite meals that I meal prep include salmon, green beans, broccoli and quinoa or substitute the salmon for chicken or any other proteins. You can prepare these meals on Sundays to help get your week started off the right way!
 
#6.) Finally, don’t compare yourself to others as it won’t help you achieve your goals. One of the hardest things for me when I go to the gym is I constantly see others around me who are stronger and more fit than me. It makes me feel bad about myself, but it really shouldn’t. The thing is, every body type is different and each person will have to work on themselves in different ways to achieve the body they want. If you see someone and they make you say “hey I want to look like them,” then use that as motivation and not as a way to degrade yourself for not looking like them. Recognize the special qualities that you have. Don’t beat yourself up, take little steps, you can do it!
 
Fitness is not only for your body, but also for your mind and your self-confidence. As you feel yourself becoming stronger and feeling more energized daily, you will feel like a brand new person and it will be a great feeling. Trust me!
 
Good luck with your goals and Happy New Year!

Alana Thoman