The New Year is just beginning and you may have some goals that involve getting in shape not only for your health, but in preparation for an upcoming special event (like your wedding, perhaps!).
While you may feel caught up in the New Year excitement, it's important to set the proper stage. This means ACTIVELY creating an environment that will cultivate success.
Follow these tips to help you get off to a great start:
1. Clarify your true intentions and motives. What EXACTLY do you want to see happen and more importantly WHY do you want it to happen? For instance, if weight loss is a goal, precisely how much do you need to lose and why do you want to lose the weight? Is it to look better for yourself? Is there a health concern? Do you have self-esteem issues that need to be addressed? Do you want to be able to move around through your life with more energy and stamina? Figure it out and use "the why" as your battle cry!
2. Gather the troops. Don't go it alone or struggle in silence! Get your fiance, your girlfriends, your aunties, your mom, basically the people in your life that care about you, to cheer you on and give you the business (with love, of course) should you start to slip and slide. Get professional help, as needed. Replacing negative habits that have been developed over a life time with positive ones can be challenging. Affirming thoughts, feedback, and a caring kick-in-the-pants can help you to stay focused.
3. Invest in yourself. Take a nutrition class or workshop. Hire a personal trainer or attend a class. Seek counseling to help with unhealthy emotional hindrances. Bottom line: assess your situation and be honest with yourself about the person you currently are to help you make choices regarding the person you want to be. Investing in yourself by getting the help you need early on can save you time, money, and emotional/mental discomfort.
4. Go through the fridge! While you're at it, tackle the cabinets and drawers as well. Forget about that "will power" stuff! Get rid of foods that tend to be a stumbling block for you. If said food item doesn't bring you closer to your targeted goals, then toss it. Stock up on healthy foods that are natural, low in fat, low in sugar, and high in nutrients. As a suggestion, here's a list of the so-called "world's healthiest foods".
5. Stay away from trouble! Identify any potential "trouble spots" in your environment. For instance, if you work in an office that tends to have lots of sweets and goodies on hand, keep yourself out of the area where its kept and bring your own health, goal-oriented snacks. If you have friends that like to frequent high calorie food spots for get-togethers, suggest alternatives that center less on eating and more on activity.
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