Sometimes when we know we need to make a big change in our lives, we opt for instant gratification versus a long term solution. For example, how come when we decide to lose weight, we put ourselves on an extreme one week crash diet? The instant gratification of losing weight fast makes us feel successful for a moment, but doesn’t last. When it comes to making big life changes, we need to start by making small goals and gradually work up to where we want to be. Let’s look at how you can make a healthy lifestyle attainable by breaking it down and giving yourself time and patience.
First and most importantly, don’t stop eating. The biggest mistake in crash dieting is not eating. While you may lose the weight that week, the next week, when you start eating again, you could gain it all back plus more. Instead of tricking your metabolism, try working with it. Eat healthy foods like fruits, veggies and whole grains to stimulate it. If switching from junk food to healthier foods is a big challenge to you, set small weekly goals to slowly but surely eat less of the bad and more of the good.
Another aspect of building a healthy lifestyle is forming a daily exercise regimen. If you are starting from being completely sedentary, make small weekly goals to work up to a full week’s routine. In the first week, just workout 2-3 days and take the stairs instead of the elevator. In the second week, try working out 4 days and begin incorporating some light weight training. By the fourth week, you can be completing a full week’s workout routine including both cardio and weights. Because you gradually worked up to it, you’ll be less prone to injury and more likely to enjoy the challenge.
The third part of your long term plan to achieve healthiness is to clear your mind and free your spirit. Stress and anxiety add just as much weight on your body as those unwanted pounds do. Slow down, take time to breathe, organize your thoughts and time, and focus on positivity. Make time to work out and think about what you should eat. Surround yourself with positive people who will encourage and maybe even join you in your endeavors. You’ll be surprised at how much your attitude will have an overall effect on your goal to make a healthy lifestyle change. Eating healthy and working out regularly will take a lot of focus, and having a healthy mental well being will control your ability to stay focused.
Be very precise about setting your goals in all three aspects. Follow through on the promises you make to yourself and your commitment to changing your lifestyle. Even though the first week will seem difficult, remind yourself that it can only get easier, and it will. Stick it out for at least a month to see if you like the results you’re getting and remember to keep your goal in moderation!
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