We all want to live vigorous, vibrant lives, and becoming healthier is one of the most important steps towards getting in the best shape of your life.
When embarking on the journey to a healthier you, it is important to not lose sight of your end goals. It is also crucial that you maintain a healthy mindset so that you can avoid getting lost in “weight loss fads.”
The following are eight tips that you can follow to stay on the right track in your fitness adventure.
1. Fill up on Fibre
You may have heard that what you put in your body is not as important as the types of exercise you engage in when trying to lose or maintain weight.
Fibre is particularly important because it keeps your bodily processes regular while also helping you maintain that ‘full’ or sated feeling. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of fibre, as are legumes, which also contain healthy amounts of protein. By satisfying your cravings with fibre, you will feel better, and your body will thank you.
2. Drink More Water!
You know that drinking your calories is a big no-no when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So, say goodbye to those multi-syllabic coffee orders that are chock full of sugar and chemicals, and welcome back your old friend water into your life!
Water is the best beverage to imbibe during the day for several reasons:
- It is filling;
- Has zero calories; and
- Is essential for keeping your body running properly.
Also, starting the day with a tall glass of cold water helps you stay hydrated, stemming off headaches more efficiently than coffee and with the added benefit of fighting off the dreaded bloat.
3. Choose Nutrition
Not all calories are created equally. Remember that a piece of cake and a handful of nuts might have the same calorie content, but where those calories come from and how advantageous they are for your body will vary greatly.
When choosing meals and snacks, you want to focus on where those foods derive their calories from. In other words, focus on meals and snacks that pack a powerful punch nutritionally.
Nicole Taylor from IsaElite.com.au says that by consuming more protein, you can burn up to an extra 100 calories per day, as well as consume 400 calories less a day. Select provisions that are high in protein and fibre and have complex rather than simple carbohydrates to keep your body working in optimal condition.
4. Improve your Sleep
In order to give your body the best opportunity, you need to start off with a strong foundation – a stronger sleep foundation, that is. You are more likely to lose control of your eating habits and slack off on exercise when you are tired.
For this reason, you want to aim for between six and eight hours of restorative sleep at night. Try limiting screen time before bed and read a good book, perhaps one about lifestyle changes, prior to falling asleep and wake up after the first alarm goes off (or preferably naturally before the alarm). A good night’s rest can make a positive impact on your weight loss journey and can help you preserve your progress throughout the day.
5. Exercise
Of course, we all know exercise is crucial for losing/maintaining weight and maintaining a positive lifestyle, but some exercises are more helpful than others. Remember that spot training, or trying to lose weight on one specific part of your body, is not going to work.
Instead, you want to focus on a routine that allows you to get your body moving with cardio and get your muscles working with light weight training (Of course, if you want a body like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson you could follow his workout routine and take the supplements that he has used.).
By combining these two types of exercises with one to two days of rest each week, you will have a much easier time losing weight and keeping that weight off! Remember, also, that it is okay to take a rest day since your muscles need time to rest and repair themselves.
6. Use the Buddy System
Research suggests it can be easier to lose weight with a friend. If there is someone in your life already who is willing to join you on your fitness journey, reach out to them and ask them to start engaging in these tips with you. Otherwise, there are online communities as well as community outreach programmes at fitness centres in most communities where you can find someone to connect with as you begin your weight loss adventure.
Losing weight by yourself can be extremely tough, as there is no one outside of yourself to hold you accountable. Also, it is helpful to hold someone else accountable and be a support to them, as well. In doing so, you will be much more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
7. Make Mini-goals
Making a plan to lose a substantial amount of weight down the road will seem daunting. Making smaller goals, however, is much less intimidating, and those mini-targets will be much easier to reach.
Start by making a simple goal, such as walk for twenty minutes tomorrow. You can add to those tinier targets on a daily or weekly basis until you are in a healthy routine that you know you can maintain. Before you know it, you will turn your own aspirations into someone else’s inspiration.
8. Do Not Mistake Missteps for Failure
Sometimes the best laid plans result in less than ideal results, but remember that you are human. If you find yourself snacking on foods that are high in sugar and low in nutrients or skip a day or two at the gym, you have not failed and do not have to start your weight loss journey over from scratch.
There will always be times where there are bumps in the road, but remembering that this is a marathon, not a race, will help you stay true to the course and realise your weight loss goals. It is essential, when embarking on your weight loss journey, to take it day by day.
Losing weight does not happen overnight, and starting with a healthy mindset is imperative. Remember that by making small, manageable objectives, you will be much more successful in your weight loss way of life.
