I often get asked how do I stay in shape and how do I stay on track with eating. I posted a blog about my fitness journey if you are interested to see how I got to where I am today. I think what people do not realize is it has to be a lifestyle change. It doesn’t have to be a major change right off the bat. It can be little things that you start incorporating into your everyday routine. Here are a few things you can start today!
Get the word “diet” out of your head.
The word diet makes me think of a beginning and an end. What comes after the end? Usually this means starting another type of diet. In the past when I was a chronic “dieter”, I would follow a plan until I lost weight or reached a number in my head. Then I would go right back to my old habits. Little did I know at that time this was a non sustainable way of eating for me. I see a lot of people trying to sprint to lose weight. Examples of a sprint is keto, low carb and intermittent fasting. They may work in the beginning but, it is difficult to sustain this type of eating. When make that change from a diet to a lifestyle that sprint becomes a marathon.
Develop healthy habits.
Start out small when you are making changes for the better. Try to be conscious about what you are eating. Just because they set the chips and salsa down in a restaurant doesn’t mean you have to eat the whole bowl! Portion control is one of the key things that have helped me maintain my weight. Macro tracking has been a game changer for me. If you are a coffee drinker try using skim milk instead of half and half. Or try using sugar free creamer. Walk 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening is a great way to get some cardio in everyday. Little changes like this will lead to bigger changes.
Having a positive outlook.
I know…this is easier said than done. Try starting the day off with one thing you are grateful for and set the tone. I love reading every day in The Daily Stoic. You can order it off Amazon. It also helps having things to look forward to. For example, taking a trip, getting a mani/pedi, or binge watching your favorite show. Positive thinking helps you to have a positive expectation that things will turn out well. In turn this will give you courage to persist with diet and lifestyle changes.
