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Let’s
face it….
Losing
weight and feeling great isn’t easy.
BUT
the journey is well worth it!
Many
people commit to their health and well being
via a New Year’s resolution. Why not? The
New Year is a great time to make a fresh start and
commitment to your health.
How
do you remain motivated however for an
entire year?
The
single most important piece of advice I can
offer you is this:
Don’t
give up, and pick yourself back up when
you stumble or fall.
Everyone
slips here and there. Just because you
had one cheat day doesn’t mean your entire fitness
and exercise program needs to be ruined.
On
the contrary. Everyone slips now and again.
The
key to sticking with a program is to make the slips
MUCH less frequent than the days you are
firmly committed to your program.
So
have that piece of chocolate on occasion and
don’t beat yourself up for it.
Here are some additional great ideas for staying
motivated throughout the year:
Tip
#1
Don’t make a habit of skipping breakfast. You
should never skip breakfast. It is the most
important meal of the day, and revs your metabolism
to burn calories each and every day.
When
you skip breakfast, you are more likely to
overeat and then feel guilty later in the day.
Tip
#2
Don’t
weigh yourself every day. In fact, you
should weigh yourself only once a week, and
when you do you should do it at the same time
wearing nothing.
Why?
Your weight actually fluctuates a good
2-5 pounds from day to day.
Much
of this is associated with fluid retention,
thus has nothing to do with your actual fat
gain or loss. Weighing yourself too often
can be discouraging rather than encouraging.
Tip
#3
Grab a partner in crime. Find
someone that can be your ‘partner in fitness’.
Call them when you are feeling unmotivated,
and have them do the same.
You
are more likely to stay motivated if you have
someone to lean on when times get tough.
Tip
#4
Don’t skip a workout because you are tired. Did
you know that working out will actually help
invigorate you? If you are truly exhausted,
consider toning down your workout, but never
give it up completely!
Tip
#5
Reward yourself on occasion. All
work and no play is not the way to go
when it comes to your overall
health and well being.
Consider
booking yourself for a massage
or other pampering treat each month to
keep you feeling great mentally and physically.
Last
but not least, remember to take small steps.
Don’t set outrageous goals. You won’t lose 10
pounds in one week, but you might lose up to 2.
Over
inflated goals will only serve to defeat you
in the long run. Set reasonable goals and you will
find yourself much more motivated throughout the year!
Copyright © 2005 Beverley
Brooke, Health & Finesse
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