I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. But there’s something about a new year and wrapping up the pig-out-and-party season that makes us think about more our health, and losing weight.
Now’s the time to capitalise on any shred of inspiration to start taking better care of yourself! That doesn’t mean rushing off to do a detox or endless hours of cardio or any other crazy tactic that will see you back to your old habits by February 1.
Instead, I recommend basic measures that guarantee better health, a slimmer waistline and a happier outlook. Just by stopping and starting these five habits you’ll be setting yourself up for your fittest year yet
STOP saying you don’t have the time or money
Want to lose weight, be stronger, and feel more energetic? Then you have to decide. If you wait to have time for achieving those big goals, I can promise you that when 2018 rolls around you will be more overweight, unfit and sluggish.
Time for exercise and planning nutritious meals is not just going to appear in between long and draining work hours, making school lunches, running kids around and trying to maintain some semblance of a social life.
If you’re ready to finally get results for your health then decide TODAY that you and your health come first and are non negotiable. Taking care of your body needs to be your number one priority. I know this is hard for many of you to get your head around – especially Mums! But what a wonderful message to send to your children that caring for yourself is important.
As you begin to practise putting yourself first by committing to daily exercise and healthy eating you will grow in self-respect and achieve your health goals with ease.
New Image clients have busy careers and family lives but they get results because they commit to their half hour personal training sessions and prioritise the time.
STOP eating crap
People overcomplicate nutrition. Instead, let’s focus on getting the basics right.
Most people will notice big changes just by becoming more conscious and deliberate about what goes into their mouths. Cut out the processed junk and pack your meals with veggies and lean protein. You’ll quickly notice a change in your weight and vitality by making those simply changes.
Get the junk out of the house! I often hear clients say “it’s for the kids”. If it’s not right for your body, what makes it ok for your kids to eat? I understand kids’ snacks can be difficult. If there’s packaged food, pack their lunches (at school or not) the night before and keep any kid snack food away, out of sight.
START exercising daily
See Step 1. You DO have time. And part of making exercise happen is creating a daily habit. The people who get the best results, learn to love training and stay on the wagon are those that commit to exercise every single day.
Now this doesn’t have to be a full on gym session every day, though these are important and should form a solid part of your weekly routine. Some days you might have a half hour brisk walk, or a swim or a bike ride. Keep trying things until you find something you like and make it enjoyable!
The most important thing is to take the decision making out of exercise. No more umming and aahing over whether or not you’re going to workout. It just becomes something that you do for your health, every single day of your life.
START prioritising your sleep and rest
Sleep is just as important to weight loss as exercise and diet, and not getting enough quality sleep compromises your ability to do the other two properly.
Many of my clients seem to think of their bodies as machines that they can push and manipulate without consistently refueling. Our bodies are quite simple really. If you don’t sleep enough, a lot of your basic bodily processes become skewiff.
Commit to a bedtime. As kids, most of us had a time we had to be in bed by. There was a reason for that – so we weren’t grumpy and unable to learn/co operate the next day. Set a time that you must be in bed by and commit to reading until you fall asleep. Watch your sleep quality improve.
Resting and destressing is just as important. We need daily downtime and relaxation to give our bodies a break from the constant surge of the stress hormone cortisol (which, by the way, is fattening is excess) that many of us experience in stressful daily life.
Build rituals into your daily routine that allow you to unwind and prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.
START having more fun!
We say it all the time – life is short – but in the past few months that has really been driven home for me. We all need to stop waiting for our lives to look a certain way before we do the things we want to do.
Look for ways to bring more joy and FUN into your life. It’s not frivolous, lazy or wasteful to have a good time.
Clients say all the time that when they lose weight they will go on the dream holiday, reinvigorate an old hobby or feel comfortable getting in the beach with their kids. I challenge them (and you) NOT to wait on the weight. Start living your life today and I guarantee you that the previous four steps will be a whole lot easier to implement.
Let’s make 2017 your best year yet! A coaching session with me or a New Image trainer is a great place to start to get you back on track.
