SET REALISTIC GOALS
As amazing as it would be to drop 15 pounds over night, realistically that just won’t ever happen. It takes time and dedication to achieve your end goal. We live in an age where we want a quick fix to everything, but unfortunately becoming fit and seeing those results can take weeks. Setting small, realistic goals that you can achieve faster than your end goal will keep you motivated throughout your journey.
SCHEDULE TIME TO BE ACTIVE
Dedicate a set amount of time for a workout that fits your daily schedule, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. A short workout is better than no workout. If you don’t have a gym membership, there are many free workout resources you can find online or on YouTube. Something as easy as taking the stairs instead of the elevator can count as being active.
TRACK YOUR WORKOUTS
A heart rate monitor is an accurate way to track your activity level. Most will also show amount of calories burned. This is extremely helpful when you are being active, but you’re not on a cardio machine that has a built in heart rate monitor. A heart rate monitor is also a great way to get a better idea of exactly how many calories you burn in the gym. Many of us forget to consider what we’ve burned while doing weights. Make sure you’re giving yourself credit for everything you’ve done! Keeping track of your workouts will help you keep a visual of all your progress.
CREATE A FOOD DIARY
Counting calories will give you a more realistic view of everything you’ve consumed by the end of the day. What may seem like not a lot when you’re hungry can add up to more you’d like to consume once it’s all done. A food diary will give you an idea of what range you want to stay in with your meals and maybe make you think twice about that piece of cake and opt for a lighter, gluten free snack instead.
PRACTICE BETTER SNACKING
I like to take the approach of everything is fine in moderation, but more often than not I opt for the better for you snacking approach. Just because you’re craving something sweet doesn’t mean you need to reach for cake and cookies. Snacks like Kozy Shack® Simply Well rice pudding will kick those cravings without sacrificing flavor or added sugar.
To jumpstart your better snacking, I’m giving away some free #SimplyWell Kozy Shack®! To enter, all you have to do is go here and tell me what you like about their pudding!
Alyssa Guttendorf says
Great post, Dara! I find scheduling workouts to be so crucial to actually following through and doing them. If I'm feeling extra ambitious I try to schedule them for my whole week!
Alanna @ Alanna and Company says
Better snacking is definitely a good healthy lifestyle tip! Sometimes I track all my meals and I'm doing really well and then I add in the snack and it blows my whole day out of the water.
Joyce Wheeler says
I have found that creating a specific work out time helps keep on track. Followed you here from the Wordless Crafty Spices Wednesdays.
Jay CraftySpices says
Simple practices that can go a very long way. Thank you for the reminder.