alike.com.ph—The first month of the year has come and gone. Have you been keeping up with your resolutions so far? Fitness goals can be particularly challenging to keep up with. There will always be a reason to skip the gym. There will always be a new milk tea shop to try every other week. Staying committed to a healthy lifestyle isn’t impossible, but you will have to be mindful of the choices you make. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and active in the new year no matter what your fitness level may be.
Keep a food journal
This is one a helpful tool to consider when starting your fitness journey. Record the foods that you eat daily in a notebook or even just the notes app on your phone. Try to be as detailed as you can. Personally, I list the foods and portions I consume for each meal. I also take note of the time I eat each meal. Doing this allows you to clearly see what you’re eating, how much, and how often you’re consuming. Are you eating too many fried foods? Too many sweets, or not enough greens and protein? This will clearly be outlined in your journal. From there, you can adjust and choose healthier options.
Take care of your own meals
Cooking your own meals means that you will be in control of what you put into your food. There won’t be any questionable ingredients or additives compared to foods that you take out from a restaurant.
The same idea applies to shopping for your own groceries. A general tip would be to stick to whole, unprocessed, unpackaged foods like fruits, veggies, eggs, and fish. This limits the possibility of ingesting harmful chemicals, preservatives, and excess sugars that are commonly found in packaged foods.
As busy, 20-something professionals, cooking and grocery shopping won’t always be practical. Keep in mind that’s it’s totally okay to eat out– just be conscious of what you’re ordering and try to choose dishes that are more nutritious. Also remember to keep everything in moderation. If you had a carb-heavy pasta for dinner last night, try to keep it light with a nutrient-packed green smoothie for breakfast the next day.
Stay hydrated
Drinking enough water directly affects your energy levels, boosts your metabolism, and improves brain function. Personally, I drink anywhere from half a gallon to a gallon of water per day depending on how active I am. Carrying a water bottle is one of the easiest things you can do to stay healthy and hydrated throughout the day. Make sure to refill your bottle multiple times during the day, and increase your intake depending on your activity level.
Find a workout buddy
Having a workout buddy (or buddies) means that you will have a support system. Having a buddy is extremely helpful especially if you’re just beginning your fitness journey. You and your partner will help each other stay motivated and committed to staying active. It promotes accountability and limits the chances of you bailing on a workout. Thinking of skipping the gym today? Nope, your partner is already there, and she can’t do those sit-up passes without you.
Get cute workout clothes
This might sound like a superficial approach to maintaining an active lifestyle, but it really works. Wearing a cute workout set makes you look and feel good. You’ll wanna show off your outfit to your friends at the gym. Maybe you’ll take a few pics of yourself in your outfit, or a post-workout boomerang with your gym buddies. It might sound silly, but hey, you did your workout.
If you didn’t take an Insta story of your workout, did you even go?
No more zero days
The concept of “No more Zero Days” originated from Reddit user ryan01 a few years ago. A zero day is a day in which you have done absolutely nothing towards a goal you’re pursuing— whether it be fitness or otherwise. A non-zero day means doing at least one thing every single day to move towards your goal.
“Didn’t do anything all day and it’s 11:58 PM? Write one sentence. One push up. Read one page of that chapter. One. Because one is non zero,” Ryan added.
Join a fitness class
Fitness classes are a fun way to get your workout in. Having fun during your workout keeps you motivated and increases your likelihood of committing to an active lifestyle. Crossfit, spin, boxing, yoga, and barre are some of the most popular workout classes. Many studios offer free or discounted trial sessions for new members. Try a few different classes to see which one you enjoy the most.
These 7 simple practices should assist you in your journey to becoming healthier and more physically active. It’s important to build good habits and make a conscious effort to commit to a healthy lifestyle in order to reach your fitness goals. Before you know it, you’ll be the in the best shape you’ve ever been!
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