At this time of year, it’s very normal for there to be “fit life experimentation.” That is to say, many of us have decided that we want to be healthier this year, but have not found the right rhythm of exercise and diet yet. Have no fear! Here are some Dos and Don’ts to help your healthy year be a success.
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Do Have a Plan at The Gym. Going to the gym, running a lap, and doing one crunch won’t get you too far. Instead, write out exactly what you want to accomplish at the gym in a notebook. Set goals, look up workouts, and decide which pieces of equipment you want to use. You will have an easier time getting to the gym.
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Don’t Do a Crash Diet. You see the ads all the time—doing this diet will help you drop twenty pounds almost immediately. The truth is, crash diets do not give you the nutrients you need to live a healthy lifestyle. That being said, if you are working out, they also don’t give you the proper nutrients for extreme activity, and the results can be deadly. Rather than dieting, try to eat balanced meals with lots of vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and natural proteins.
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Do Write Down Your Meals. Writing down your meals encourages you to think about your eating patterns, and to evaluate if you are eating a balanced diet. You can easily look at what you ate that day, and think, “I’ve had a lot of bread today, maybe I should have more protein at dinner” and so on.
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Don’t Obsess or Deprive Yourself. Do you want that cookie? Yes? Then eat it! It’s okay to treat yourself. Just remember, it’s all about portions. Having one cookie won’t ruin your progress. Fitness is supposed to add to your life, not take away from it.
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Do Find a Fitness Friend. When it’s snowy and cold, walking to the Rec Center seems impossible. However, having a friend could make the process more fun! Friendly competitions, as well as encouragement, make going to the gym a more pleasurable experience. Use the time to catch up with your best friend, or even get close to someone new.
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Don’t Focus on the Scale. You are not defined by a number. During a change of diet and exercise, your weight could seem like a yo-yo. That number on the scale does not matter as much as how you feel, and the confidence you gain.
While these are tips, the most important tip of all is to focus on what you are comfortable with and what works for you. Find a plan, and stick with it! You can do it!