*Shoves another brownie in my mouth* Me: "Agh I really should start eating better. *Sips on homemade peanut-butter hot chocolate* Me: "My face keeps breaking out and I feel so bloated." *Burps and simultaneously pops another pimple. . . * Put up an imaginary hand up if this above paragraph sounds anything like you. If so, this post is definitely for you. So take out your dust covered workout journals, put on some gangsta rap and continue reading on my dear friend. That intro paragraph, as disgusting as it might seem, was literally the story of my life about 10 days ago. With my gap year in full swing I really thought it best to eat my way to happiness (which sadly dismally failed). Instead I was left feeling sluggish, bloated and all round BLAH. So, in honor of my new found motivation I decided to write this awesome post on "8 Realistic Health and Fitness Tips". Find Inspiration- many fitness 'gurus' leave this tip for last which is totally misguided. How is one supposed to start a fitness journey, without a little inspiration? I mean, don't those Instagram models and Tumblr girls leave you feeling just a liiiitle bit like working out? So before venturing off into the world of sugar-free, fat-free, carb-free, no taste, low calories. . . . sorry, I got a little distracted, or wait am I just hungry? I kid, kid, but seriously, take some time to find some inspiration. Whether it be a photo of yourself from a year ago or a picture of a Victoria secret Angel, find that inspiration and put it somewhere visible. You are going to need it later! Set a goal- now that you are feeling inspired go ahead and set a goal. Something simple and obtainable. Once you reach that first goal you will gain the desired motivation to continue. My first goal is to lose 1 kg, nice and simple. Then from there it will be another and another until I reach my goal. After each kg lost, I cross it off my goal sheet. It's so fun to be able to weigh-in and cross out the numbers each time I lose a kg! With that said you can also go ahead and treat Yo self each time you reach a milestone. A treat can be in the form of just about anything you want. For example, a yummy chocolate, a pretty dress, awesome makeup, the list goes on. . . remember you've earned it! My first Treat will be a fab new lipstick I have been eyeing out for awhile. *Sighs* Be prepared - both mentally and physically. If you are super unhealthy or unfit getting on track is not always going to be easy. There will be times when you will want to give up and drown your sorrows in a large bowl of ice-cream, DON'T. Best way to avoid this is to: stay organised and prepared. You have a goal now work hard to achieve it. Set aside one/ two days a week to prepare your meals for the week ahead. I like to do this especially for breakfast, a good breakfast wilt keep me in a healthy mindset the rest of the day, plus I am laziest in the morning. My go to breakfast is overnight oats. Now when I wake up I simply grab my container of yummy oats and eat it straight away. No fuss or thought needed. A great lunch idea is salads in a jar or leftovers from dinner with a piece of fruit or some added veggies. Fitness lovers call this "Meal Prep" (You can look up the phrase online to get great ideas). Clean up and cut out - Ah yes, now that you know what to do, and how to do it, it's time to clean up that diet of yours. Clean eating, when done right, can be so much fun. There really are so many substitutes for your favorite treats out there, like veggies that can be made into pasta or pizza.It takes a bit of time to find these recipes but once you do, eating healthy will be a breeze. There is no better reward than no longer feeling bloated, or breaking out, or even just consistently putting on weight. If you need inspiration go check out my Pinterest boards for some great healthy meal ideas. Work,work, work,work out! - You knew it was coming sooner or later. This wouldn't be a post about Health & Fitness if I failed to address working out. I will keep it short because I know many people are 'allergic' to the idea of being active. In short, "Just Do It" - Nike. (Yaaas, for brand quoting. Ayo Nike, does that mean I am officially an ambassador. Where can I pick up my free gear?) But seriously spend 20-60 minutes, four times a week, moving your body. . . well with a little more intention than just walking to the fridge! Go for a run, do HIIT, cycle, download the Nike Fitness app ( I swear I am not sponsored), do some YouTube video workouts: Fitness Blenders will save your life. Whatever you do make sure your blood is pumping. Stop looking at the Scale- yes that's right I said it. The scale is great and will keep you motivated but it is not the be all and end all. Some weeks it will say you a haven't lost a thing and that might be true yet your body will be more toned and you will be feeling great. (Muscle weighs more than fat, and water weight is a thing) So instead take pictures of your body, at least once a month and look to those to see any changes. If you are going to use the scale, weigh once a week and no more! Weigh in the morning after your morning wee (t.m.i?) or the same time each week. * Weigh in something lightweight or better yet nothing at all, well unless you're at a gym because that is kind of nasty to watch. (Old lady with the saggy boobs I am talking to you, Ma'am.) Tell someday - nothing worse than starting a journey alone and having to keep it all in. I always tell my mom what I am up too. That way every victory is shared and every frustration can be discussed. I rarely feel alone and I gain a sense of accountability. Be happy- your body is beautiful and strong. It is doing a flipping good job of keeping you alive. Give it credit and take the time to admire what a fine specimen you are. If you don't love yourself now, no amount of weight lost will change that. Love your body enough to want to change it and make it better! Comment below if this post motivated you in any way. Also, let us know how your journey to a healthy body is going. Feel free to leave any advice you might have below.
Remember we are always available to answer any questions you may have so drop us an email/dm and let's be friends!
4 Comments
7/5/2016 03:48:18 am
No doubt this is an excellent post I got a lot of knowledge after reading good luck. Theme of blog is excellent there is almost everything to read, Brilliant post.
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7/9/2016 01:16:59 am
What a great post! These are really brilliant and helpful tips - I especially love the one about giving your body credit, and loving it enough to want to improve it. So many people want to lose weight or change their body out of hatred for it, but doing it out of love and respect for your body is such a great and positive mindset. Good luck with your health and fitness journey!
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7/11/2016 12:09:43 am
That intro paragraph, as disgusting as it might seem, was literally the story of my life about 10 days ago. With my gap year in full swing I really thought it best to eat my way to happiness (which sadly dismally failed). Instead I was left feeling sluggish, bloated and all round BLAH.
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