This time of year is exciting. We get to set new goals for the year and feel that little reset of motivation. Most of us put health and fitness at the top of the list, some do the whole “dry January” thing, some make it a goal to loose weight or eat healthier. No matter what your goal is for the year, I hope you reach it!
Today I wanted to share a few tips that have helped me reach my health and fitness goals over the years.
My fitness goals are at the top of my list this year as I prepare for our upcoming wedding. I LOVE that reset moment at the beginning of the year when I look at my goals that I’ve written down and feel more motivated than ever. However, a lot of us don’t even get a few months in before we give up. I’m definitely guilty, but when it comes to health and fitness I’ve come up with a few ways to help me stay motivated.
Make small lifestyle changes to start. Don’t think of today as starting over from scratch, instead try to shift a few unhealthy habits. If you take small steps, they will eventually turn into lifestyle habits.
Some ideas to get you going:
- If you want to eat healthier, pack your lunch for the week. Skip eating out and prep homemade meals. I find meal prepping to be extremely beneficial. I like to prep my meals for the week each Sunday for the whole week which leaves you no choice but to eat the meal you prepared and think ahead of the nutritional benefits. I usually like to cook a protein (usually chicken), vegetables and brown rice or something along those lines. This year I am going to make it a goal to prep my lunches and avoid eating just because I feel hungry. If you want to cut out alcohol, make baby steps and maybe cut alcohol during the week only, then slowly make your way through the weekend.
- If you want to get to the gym: Schedule your fitness classes for the week ahead of time. Most classes charge you if you skip, which will keep you motivated as well! If you aren’t a fan of classes, book a session with a personal trainer. If you are a runner or want to become one, go online and sign up for a race and start training. Commit to something as soon as possible and plan your schedule in advance.
- If you want to be healthier in general: drink more water, dedicate some time each day to de-stressing, reflecting or even stretching. Whatever it is you are trying to accomplish, it’s important to set a small goal to start and turn them into lifestyle habits.
Along with making small lifestyle changes, I also like to set checkpoints or smaller goals for myself along the way.
One of the most impactful ways for me to stay motivated to workout or eat better is to have a small goal along my journey. Getting in shape is such a broad goal which I will procrastinate on unless I have a check in point. Do you have an event to go to? Are you going on a trip? Do you have a 5k to run? I like to set different point throughout the year that I can work towards.
This year, I will be setting multiple checkpoints with myself for photoshoots (hello more fitness content!), our engagement party, engagement photo shoot and ultimately our wedding. If you have something fun to look forward to, you will most likely keep up the motivation.
Most importantly, have fun with it!
If you are not enjoying the process you will never make the lifestyle change. You should choose something fun, something you like to do instead of dreading that time in the day when you have to drag yourself to workout. If you want to workout more, try a class you have never taken or explore different avenues (there are so many)! Skipping the pizza and eating a salad instead is never fun (let’s face it) but it gets easier with time. I’ve been eating chocolate all holiday season, but once I cut it cold turkey I really don’t crave it much. It’s really not so bad!
My parents started the Haley Pomroy Metabolism diet about a year ago to loose weight for my brother’s wedding. They have done some dieting in the past, but nothing has stuck. This diet was more of a lifestyle change and they made it fun. They have really enjoyed learning about healthy foods and cooking new meals they would never have tried before. They have both lost close to 80 pounds combined! They made it fun, which has turned into a lifestyle.
OUTFIT DETAILS: SPORTS BRA | LEGGINGS | NORDIC TRACK ELLIPTICAL
OUTFIT DETAILS: TANK | LEGGINGS | SNEAKERS | NORDIC TRACK ELLIPTICAL
I know it can be a little overwhelming, but if we set small goals and challenge ourselves we can do it! Take small steps which eventually turn into lifestyle habits and make you both healthier and happier. I don’t know about you, but I certainly feel much happier and healthier after changing a few small habits.
Cheers to a healthy and happy 2019!
xx Jenna
