Resolutions come with a great intention but keeping one is a difficult task. Setting major goals and accomplishment might seem like a good standard to reach, but is often met with a shrug and “well, maybe next year”. Over the past few years I’ve learned that by setting little goals, it adds up to make bigger changes. So rather then shedding 30 pounds, here are some healthy small changes you can make in January.
1. Go to a Gym Class…
Winter came and so did the bulky sweaters. Admit it, you haven’t been to the gym in a while. But in 2016 you vowed to take out your brightest nike’s and trudge your way to the gym. As soon as you step in the door you get the familiar feeling of anxiety and panic. The perfect solution? Go try a class. Having someone perform the exercise in front of you is always the best motivator. Classes like spinning, yoga, or kickboxing allows you to go at your own pace, so you never feel discouraged.
2. Gradually Cut out unhealthy food….
To say you’re just not going to eat carbs or dairy is drastic and doomed for failure. Instead of cutting out entire food group all at once, take it week by week. If you want to cut out carbs try cutting out rice the first week, bread the second and so on and so on. If you’re a candy nut, try limiting yourself and gradually decrease the amount you eat.
3. Drink less alcohol…
Oh alcohol, its the relationship you love to hate, and hate to love. Whether or not we confront it, alcohol is one of the least healthiest things. Can we live without it? Absoloutly. Do we? God heavens no, we need our glass of wine. While the occasional beer is okay, binge drinking is a no-no. One shot of vodka is 100 calories. Wouldn’t you rather be eating a pizza with those calories?
4. Stop with the Cardio and Start with the Weights…
I’ve heard countless of girls whine about the fear of bulking up, or having no idea how to even use the weights. Start simple, squat with a bar rather than with some body weight. Use google. Use youtube. Just pick up some weights heavier than 5 pounds!
5. SLEEP…
Force yourself to get into bed 10, 20, 30 minutes earlier than usual. Get your eight to ten hours.
6. Cut out those people that are bringing you down…
That friend that brings you more sadness then joy? Break up with her. That boy that calls you only at 2am? Break things off with him too. Take that time and invest it in people who matter.
7. Be nice to yourself…
Don’t beat yourself up because you didn’t go to the gym that day, or because you gave into your craving of eating that hamburger. Like Justin Bieber once said, You should go and love yourself.