The new year is well underway so… what are you plans for 2015. Did you make any new year’s resolutions? Have you broken them yet?
If getting fitter and losing weight was one of them, then here’s your chance to make this the year you achieve it.
Here are 10 points to help you on your way to a healthier and fitter you.
1. Find Your Motivation. Why do you want to lose weight? Do you want to look better in your clothes, feel more energetic, or simply improve your health? Be clear about what you want, and then use that to inspire you.
2. Have a Plan. You need to plan how you are going to change your lifestyle. Are you going to start exercising? (I hope so.) Where are you going to do this? What type of exercise are you going to do? Look at how you’re going to fit these new plans into your life. Take one thing at a time rather than trying to tackle everything at once.
3. Make Goals. You need to make goals to help measure your progress. If you know where you want to be you are more likely to get there. Make SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
4. Write a food diary. This will show you how much good food and how much rubbish you are putting into your body each day. It will also show you the nutrients you are lacking.
5. Cleanse your body. Try a good 14 day cleanse, get rid of all processed food which means cutting out wheat, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, sugar and dairy products and drink two to three litres of water a day. You will quickly feel leaner, cleaner and more energetic.
6. Eat three meals a day and avoid all the snacking. As long as you are eating the correct foods you shouldn’t be hungry in between meals. Eat plenty of good quality proteins and vegetables. No snacking will give your digestive system a rest and help you to burn fat more efficiently.
7. Start the day with a protein rich breakfast. It will not only fill you up for a longer period but it will also increase your energy levels, help you to make healthier choices throughout the day and decrease your fat percentage.
8. Exercise. Start doing some form of exercise, even if it’s just walking four to five times a week. Try a new exercise class, take up a new sporting hobby.
9. Sleep eight hours a night. This will make a huge difference to your life, your energy levels will be up, your stress levels will be down and your body fat percentage will decrease.
10. Be prepared for lapses. This is a normal part of the process – nobody is perfect. It is important for you to take a moment to recognise that you got sidetracked, but don't use it as an excuse to throw in the towel. Every day is a new chance to start over, so return to your healthy lifestyle and you’ll be glad you did.
Good luck!
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