The New Year is here and New Year’s resolutions have been made. Stay healthy, get in shape, lose weight. These are all very common goals for most “resolutionists,” but too often these goals don’t make it past January. Fitness is a journey, so here are a few quick tips to get you on your way and help you fulfill your new year’s resolutions.
- Set attainable short term goals. Sometimes, looking down the road at your long term goals can be can be intimidating. Making short terms goals allows you to track your progress and stay positive on your journey.
- Don’t hesitate. The quicker you begin the process, the faster you will be able to reach your goals. Start today!
- Create your diet. It is not necessary to “go on a diet.” Small alterations can have an exponential effect on losing weight and attaining your fitness goals.
- Decreasing meal size- focus on portion control to avoid overeating.
- In conjunction with the previous point, increase the amount of smaller meals throughout the day. Eating something every 3-4 hours helps create a more efficient metabolism.
- Exchange simple carbohydrates or sugars for complex carbs. Try having whole wheat/grains instead of white bread or brown rice over white rice.
- Decrease (not necessarily eliminate) sweats and treats, and try to replace them with fruits and vegetables.
- Increase protein intake from lean meats and plant based sources.
- Increase water intake- one of the easiest tasks which can be done throughout the day!
- Exercise. Both cardiovascular and resistance training are recommended for achieving your body transformation. Cardiovascular exercise increases our endurance and conditions your body to burn fat more effectively. Resistance training preserves lean body mass and builds up muscle and joint strength.
- Stay determined and stay positive. Surround yourself with positive people and stay away from negative environments that will hinder you from reaching your goals. Focus on completing each short term goal and realize that each step brings you that much further on your journey.
By David McCalla
