It’s that time of year again when many of us are re-committing to eating healthy and getting fit. The holidays have come and gone and if you’re like me you say you are going to stay on top of your workouts and healthy eating and then December gets the best of you. So here we are it’s January, a new year and it’s time to refocus and get back on track. I am working hard to get back on track and lose the baby weight and get back to my old healthy self. Here are five things that I am doing to help get back on track:
1. Drink Water. I can’t stress this enough drinking water is so incredibly important. Drinking water promotes weight loss, increases our energy and aids in digestion among other things. For me it has taken years to really get in a habit of drinking tons of water but there are two things that really help and the first is to drink a big glass of water as soon as I wake up, it really helps to get my body started for the day and sets the tone for my day. The second is finding the right vessel to drink my water out of. I have tried so many things from pint glasses, to jars, to cups with straws and a variety of bottles but the vessel that works best for me is a Blender Bottle; I don’t know what it is but when I use one I drink tons of water.
2. Follow a plan. If I am left on my own to figure out my workouts I can get lazy and easily skip days. Give me a workout or training plan to follow and I am more apt to stay on track and reach my goals. Right now I am registered for a Spring race and have a training plan; only two weeks in and I am already seeing a difference in my activity level. Not a runner? That’s fine there are tons of workout plans out there for whatever you enjoy.
3. Get outside everyday. And no walking from your car into work, home, a shop, ect doesn’t count (unless it’s a good distance away). Being outdoors, in the fresh air helps to reenergize us, helps us to clear our mind and reduces stress. We have to remember that mental health is just as or some might argue even more important than physical health. I believe that they are connected so how about trying to get outside for 15 minutes per day? Take your workout outside, go for a walk, read or simply sit quietly.
4. Find a buddy. Working out with a buddy makes the time pass by more quickly. You have someone to support you and you can help to keep each other on track. Bonus you also get to make your workout a social event which also helps with our mental health. So ask a friend to join you for a workout, find a running group or group class or simply get your family involved in your workout.
5. Get more sleep. Our bodies need to rest and recharge. Most of us don’t get enough sleep and lack of sleep can result in lower energy, lack of focus and often causes us to turn to quick forms of energy such as sugar and coffee. I have settled into a routine that every night I am in bed by 10pm whether I think I am tired or not. I know I need to get more rest and just what a huge difference it makes for me. When I get more sleep I feel more motivated, focused, encouraged to eat healthy and I am less apt to skip a workout.
Bonus Tip: Get yourself some clothes both for working out and for everyday that you feel good in regardless of the size. Don’t wait until you are at your goal weight/size to buy clothes that you feel good in. When I have clothes that I feel I look good in I actually feel MORE inspired to keep up my healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for some great activewear gear to help to make you feel beautiful and motivated to get active I highly recommend Lands’ End new line of workout apparel. I love the quality of the workout apparel and how versatile the pieces are.
What I’m Wearing:
Women’s Activewear Control Crop Legging
What steps are you making to reach your health and fitness goals?
I used to be great about drinking enough water, but now I struggle with it. What I’ve found that helps is to get multiple water bottles–enough to cover your water needs for the day–and fill them all up in the morning. Then, I can work through them without the day. I think the visual really helps me.
My fitness goal this year is to plan meals better, stay active and get enough sleep. Good luck with your fitness goals in 2015!
Drinking water is a great tip- I just wish it didn’t have the side effect of my increased trips to the bathroom. Although maybe it is a good way to make myself walk more at work! :X
You look so cute!! I am a firm believer that cute workout clothes motivate me to work out more!
YES on the water! I totally feel it when I don’t drink enough water. And that buddy photo is adorable!
So cool you got to work with Lands’ End! I love their shoes (always real leather) and would love to work with them sometime.
Nice to have goals–getting more sleep is always a good one!!
Water is my biggest challenge as I am having the hardest time getting enough of it. Love the idea of drinking a big glass first thing in the morning, will definitively have to give it a try. Yes, to spending time outdoors – spending time outdoors makes everything so much better.
Love all your pictures especially the one with your buddy. My fitness goal has been the same for a couple of years and it is to get at least a three runs in a week.
Getting more water is one of my big goals and I try to keep track with this app I found called Argus–it’s free and I enjoy getting the push reminders if it’s been more than two hours since I’ve recorded drinking a glass. Good luck!