This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sunsweet Growers for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Two of my goals for 2016 are to workout 3-5 times per week and to clean up my diet. It officially seems like the time until my wedding is approaching faster than ever now, but the good thing about that is it’s motivating me even more to get into shape. After all, being healthy is my main goal. I honestly don’t enjoy going to the gym (I really just dislike cardio, but weights are fine) and if I had it my way, cake wouldn’t have calories, but that’s not the case. Because of this, I’ve struggled with a consistent workout routine in the past. It’s been a while since I’ve had a consistent workout routine without skipping, but I’m proud to say I think I’ve finally gotten into routine and I’m hoping it’s a forever lifestyle change that will stay. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s doable.
These are just a few things I’ve done to kickstart weight loss and my fitness routine:
1. Track calories with a food diary
The best way to keep myself in check when in comes to food is to count my calories. I’ve used a food diary off and on in the past, but now I’m more serious than ever about it. Keeping a food diary has helped me see how much I consume throughout the day and it really puts things into perspective to kickstart weight loss. You’d be surprised how quickly calories can add up! I would overeat daily without knowing if it weren’t for tracking.
2. Work out
Not only do I workout to reach my goals, I also work out to control my diet. Since I dislike cardio, the last thing I want to do is spend time on an elliptical machine for nothing. The amount of time it takes to burn off a cupcake isn’t worth eating the cupcake in the first place, so on days when I do workout, I eat much better. Otherwise, the workout was pointless.
3. Track workouts
I love being able to track my workouts and keep logs of them in my favorite fitness apps. I’m also able to tack my daily steps, which helps put into perspective just how active I am throughout the day. If my step count is lower than I’d like, it motivates me to get up and move.
4. Make healthy food substitutions
If there’s a healthier food alternative, I’m all for it. Lately I’ve found so many awesome uses for cauliflower that can help kickstart weight loss. A few things you can substitute cauliflower in place of is mashed potatoes, rice, and even pizza crust! It’s a much better option than those heavy carbs.
5. Smart snacking
Since I’ve recently reduced my daily caloric intake, I like to have a small healthy snack in between meals to hold me over, such as vegetables and nuts. When I’m craving something sweet, I always opt for some form of fruit over candy and cookies, such as dried fruit chips. Sunsweet Thai Coconut Chip have a satisfying crunch combined with creamy vanilla that always does the trick! I love how Sunsweet flavors like Philippine Green Mango and Philippine Mango are picked early, just as they begin to ripen, so they always taste fresh. The Philippine Pineapple is a juicy and delicious choice too, since it’s like eating chunks of fresh pineapple. It makes me feel like I’m somewhere tropical!
Speaking of somewhere tropical, did you know you can win a trip to paradise!? All you have to do is vote for your favorite tropical vacation getaway in the Sunsweet Find Your Paradise Sweepstakes for your chance to win! Your vote is your entry. You can also win a gift basket containing the new Sunsweet tropical flavors and beach gear, so be sure to check it out!
What do you like to do to kickstart weight loss and a consistent fitness routine?
Amanda | Maple Alps says
Most excellent!! I find that tracking calories and writing down my goals helps too! You’re on a really good track 😀
Ashley says
Great post! I have recently started using myfitness app to keep track of calories and exercise and it has been so helpful!
Amanda @ Anchored to Sunshine says
Love this post! I struggle the most when it comes to snacking! It’s so hard too when you sit at a desk all day. I have to actually throw out snacks after a few bites or I will just keep eating haha It’s a struggle
Matt @ Plating Pixels says
Great tips and good luck! I’m working out 4-6 days a week and eating better. Tracking calories helped me get on track too, but I got a little obsessive with it, so stopped once I knew generally what I should eat in day. Still losing weight too!
Jessica Bradshaw says
So fun! Way to go and keep it up! 🙂
Heather with WELLFITandFED says
Tracking data is the only why to achieve a goal. Otherwise how do you know your progress? Love it.
Sarah @ Foxy's Domestic Side says
Way to go! So funny, the way I see it, I work out so that I can eat that cupcake, haha! I don’t really like being on the elliptical, but find that if I’m watching my favorite movie or tv show I can do it better. But I really like taking classes, gets your cardio in without seeming like you’re getting your cardio in…Congrats on getting engaged.
Donnica says
I started off the year really well with my food/exercise journal, but lately I haven’t been tracking my calories like I should. I’m definitely going to start using it again. Like you mentioned it isn’t easy. 🙂 Also, I’m going to check out those fitness apps.
Crazy Travelista says
Great ideas! I really need to start a food diary, I think thats the hardest thing for me to actually be diligent and record everything. Im most certain I over eat daily haha
KP says
I’ve tried using a food diary in the past but really hated it – but I’m beginning to think if I commit to keeping one then I’ll really be successful. Sometimes you gotta do things you don’t like. My body can’t change unless I make changes, right? 🙂
Rachel says
I’ve been on a food tracking kick too! I definitely need to cut back on the snacking.. and start snacking healthier!
Jenny says
I definitely have been snacking healthier later in preparation for the wedding so I will have to give those a try.
xoxo, Jenny
Alexis says
Trying to get back into a fitness routine myself. These tips are super useful, thank you! & those sunsweet dried fruit is the bomb! Love the mango ones
Diana says
Yes! I need to get on this, consistency is always and forever my problem, but you are right, tracking everything is the way to go!
Jenn Slavich says
Tracking what you eat and your workouts will improve your health. Know that you have to write down every little thing that you eat will make you much more accountable! Your tips are great! Thank you for sharing.
Jessica says
I’ve set a goal for myself to loose 50 pounds this year. One thing I haven’t tried is replacing bad snacks for good options – instead I’m just miserably hungry osmetimes. I’m counting calories and exercising, but need to be a little more deliberate with my food choices. These dried fruit snacks sound like a great option! Also, this is a really well written sponsored post!
Celeste says
Way to go! I’ve always thought counting calories would probably be really good for me since I’ve never done it and don’t really have a good idea of how many calories are in certain foods. Thanks for the motivation!
Jennifer says
I love using MyFitnessPal to track everything. I love seeing it all in graph format!