(The comments and views in this post are my own and not copied in any way, shape or form.)
January is a classic time to start a new health and fitness regime but the problem is that you get inundated with the latest fad diets, the fantastic ‘no joining fee’ offer from the local gym or a new detox shake diet in a magazine supplement.
Maybe they all have their place but will any of them really get you the long-term results you crave? My opinion is that, unless you have a plan in place, you will NEVER get those results. OK, you may get some good results by eating more healthily or going to the gym a few times a week, but what about what’s going through your mind? There really is little point in starting a health kick if you’re mindset isn’t right. You will lose motivation and desire.
Let me ask you some questions:
So you want to lose weight?
- From where? All over? From your waist? From your hips?
- How much weight do you want to lose?
- By when?
- For what reason? A special occasion? For health reasons? For life?
- How are you going to do it? Starve yourself? Go on a diet? Run? Go to the gym?
- Will it be every day?
- How long will your workouts be?
- What foods will you eat?
- How big or small will your portion sizes be?
Grab a piece of blank paper and write down your answers to those questions as detailed as you can. Always make sure it’s what you want NOT what you don’t want. For example, write ‘I want to be 10 stone by 31st May 2013’ rather than ‘I don’t want to be overweight.’ A positive affirmation is measurable – you can’t measure ‘I don’t want to be overweight.’ Giving your brain a negative command just doesn’t work – try not to think of being overweight and you will probably think about being overweight (a bit like thinking of a pink elephant!). However, thinking about being 10 stone by 31st May 2013, if you are currently 12 stone, is positive. Create a clear picture of what you want and get a sensory image of it.
As you continue on your weight loss journey, give yourself feedback. If it’s going well, continue. If it’s not, change it.
Healthy eating for life is about planning. Plan your weekly shopping and take a shopping list with you to avoid the temptations in the supermarket aisles. Don’t buy anything that isn’t on your list.
Fitness for life is about booking time with yourself. Book your workouts in your diary and keep to those appointments just like you would any other appointment. When given the choice, always choose the active option. Your body was not designed to sit for long periods. Avoid escalators too!
To summarise, start planning for the rest of your life TODAY – do it now NOT tomorrow. If you leave it until tomorrow, you won’t do it. Answer the questions above and write down how you are going to take action. Please DON’T go on a diet – they never work long-term.
Let’s all be fit and healthy in 2013 and beyond.
If you struggle with this, get in touch and I can help you to start planning your healthy future.
Paul Edgar
Personal and Group Fitness Trainer to Women Over 25
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