7 Tips To Staying On Track With Your Health And Fitness Journey
Let's all be real on here for a moment. Now I can guarantee that nearly 100% of people have tried to start a diet/healthy eating and a gym/workout plan with it eventually failing miserably. It's just a part of human nature. We get bored too quickly, we don't see the results as quick as we would like to so we give up, your friend asks you to go out for dinner, you want that ice cream, you want to go to the movies and just have a bag of popcorn, the list goes on and on right?
Well guess what you can have all of that and still stay on track with your health and fitness journey. Here are the 7 easiest tips you can follow in order to stay on track with your journey and still feel like you're living life to the full!
1. STAY HYDRATED!
Probably one of the most important tips of them all. (I find this one pretty hard sometimes) a lot of the time when you're feel like you're hungry and are fatigued you are more than likely just dehydrated well that is unless you haven't eaten for hours on end haha. Drinking half a gallon of water per day has sooo many benefits, to name a few, it flushes out toxins, boosts the immune system, prevents headaches/migraines, it even improves your complexion! Who doesn't want to stay hydrated?!
2. Accountability Buddy
If willpower isn't your strong point then you will definitely need an accountability buddy, whether you find someone online who has the same goals as you or a family member or friend who wants to stay healthy or get back in the gym or both then they will be there to help you in times of weakness, as you will do the same for them. It also helps give you a bit of healthy competition. If someone else is doing the same thing as you but is doing better you will strive to do the same!
3. Once a Week Cheat Meals
Indulging in a cheat meal once a week helps you keep your sanity. I mean who can go weeks on end without having their favorite naughty food or drink, I know I can't! If you try to then it's going to be a downhill spiral, you will cave in and will end up giving up on all of your hard earned progress. So go get it and have a cheat meal (or drinks lol) and preferably choose the same day each week. But just remember to get back on track as soon as you've had that cheat meal.
4. Get Enough Sleep
Having a solid 7-8 hours of sleep each night helps our minds work a hell of a lot more along with our meals digesting so much easier. Our emotions are more under control, then in turn it won't lead to 'emotional eating'. Getting enough sleep is just a good thing in general!
5. Take Time For Yourself
You may be thinking 'What, how does that equate to staying on track' but it's soo important to spend time alone or time doing things you enjoy, such as having a relaxing bath or painting or going hiking. It can be anything that you enjoy, just as long as it helps relax/ease your mind. This will mean when it comes to your workout/meal time you will feel re-energized and have a positive outlook.
6. Listen To Your Body
It will come to a time where you're burned out, you don't feel like working out, you don't feel like meal prepping so just LISTEN TO WHAT YOUR BODY IS TELLING YOU. Maybe just don't work out that day or do a light workout or even just plan rest days during the week. Remember that over training your body leads to fatigue, lack of motivation and can even result in injuries so take it easy when you feel depleted.
7. Goals! Goals! Goals!
It's important to have a goal to strive for otherwise you'll have nothing to work towards and will more than likely end up quitting because you won't even know why you trying to be healthy/workout. Whether it's training to be in a bikini competition, Iron Man or even something as small as losing 5lb to fit back into a dress that you used to wear.
Becoming healthier and staying on track doesn't have to be a never ending cycle of negativity. It's all about balance. One day you're going to feel on top of the world and have meal prepped like a boss, reached your personal best in the gym and other days you're not going to go to the gym, you're gonna eat ice cream, have a pizza. It's all about just being consistent but taking time out for yourself, doing things that ease your mind.
So just be confident in the roller coaster of your journey and never give up!