The festive season is typically known as the season for over-indulgence. It’s the time when that extra glass of wine is not frowned upon and tasty treats are your daily staple diet. For those who celebrate Christmas, the day is filled with turkey, gammon and endless snacking.
It’s no wonder that by the time the New Year comes along, gyms are packed and everyone is pledging a brand new healthy lifestyle.
The problem is that we all know that after a few weeks, the enthusiasm dwindles down and we are less enthused by the idea of maintaining our new rigorous routine. So, we took a look at ways that you can create your fitness goals for the New Year and actually reach them! Below are practical ways that you can make sure that you are still maintaining a healthy lifestyle way into the next year, and keeping your body in shape.
Here are our top tips!
Exercise
This is naturally the first thing that you have to start doing to start shedding those extra pounds and getting your body back into shape. But, as mentioned, it’s easy for your routine of a few weeks to fall away, and the inside of the gym becomes a distant memory (till the beginning of the next year). So, how do you make sure you keep going?
Firstly, set yourself goals, but make sure that they are realistic. One of the biggest hindrances to exercise is starting off with something that you cannot keep up with. It is important to challenge yourself, but if you are setting the bar too high, you will find yourself exhausted and demotivated.
Becoming a frequent and consistent gym-goer means that you need to set the right goals daily and for the week, and increase from there.
Secondly, make sure that your exercise routine falls into your daily schedule. Keeping up a routine means that you have made space in your life for it. Whether it be jogging for an hour, a gym session before or after work or even a 20-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), try out different types of training and select the right one that works for you.
Lastly, invest in your exercise. There is no greater motivator than if you have actually spent money on it. Buy yourself new work-out clothes or get yourself a smartwatch.
These allow you to track your progress and set your goals for your ideal fitness. You can track how your timings and how your body is changing, which will motivate you to continue.
Fitness Supplements
Following on from the previous point, investing in your new routine is key. One of the most important aspects to invest in is supplements. Quality products do come with a price tag, but it is worth every single penny spent when it comes down to it.
Supplements like protein powders can be a massive promoter to you keeping up your exercise routine way beyond January or February. Not only does it give you that extra energy that you need to get you going, but it helps you reach your target weight and fitness levels quicker. Some supplements are also substitutes for certain meals, so you can start noticing a significant difference quicker.
Our top hint on supplements is to do your research first. The market is flooded with products, with some of them not being as good for you as they state. The best protein powder will contain all the necessary ingredients that you need for your routine. You will also need to make sure that you choose one that fits your unique body type.
Protein powders are certainly not a one-size-fits-all! You will need to determine your goals, whether you are a woman or a man and whether you want it all-natural.
Diet
Diet plans are a popular way for people to shed that extra weight that they have gained. There are a number of diets that people can try. Each has different methods and end goals.
Whether it be reducing and changing your metabolism, or restricting certain food groups, each promises significant changes.
But not everyone lives up to their promises. In fact, some can actually do more damage than good, and the person will be left worse off than when they started. Once again here, we recommend some intensive research into what diet you are about to undertake. Make sure of the following:
- Will it suit your body type and your metabolism?
- Do you suffer from allergies or intolerances?
- What will happen to your body if you suddenly give up the diet?
- What are you cutting out and how will that impact your body?
- Is it suited to your lifestyle? Will you be left without energy and exhausted?
Choosing from a diet is not an easy task. There are intermittent fastings, low fat, low carb, paleo diets, plant-based, Mediterranean, and the list goes on. Do your homework!
Healthy Eating
One of the last and more helpful hints that we want to touch on is to change your way of eating. This is different from dieting, as it is a more long-term and body-friendly way of starting a new habit. Here, the only thing you need to start cutting out is the overload of fats, junk foods, and sugars.
If you start investing in more raw foods; fruits and vegetables, you will see a significant change in your body and skin after a few months. Start meal planning for the week. Shop for the week with a list over the weekend and set out what you will be eating for the rest of the week.
Reduce your eating out to once every seven days. Replace your crisp and chocolate treats with nuts and berries. You will find that you will start enjoying them more and more until those naughty treats become a once in a while indulgence which you no longer rely on.
Here, it is important to keep in mind that you are slowly changing your habits and your brain. This means that you should not make a huge change suddenly. Rather start with simple, achievable goals and go from there!
By the end of the year, you will not need to start the cycle from scratch and you will be able to enjoy the festivities without guilt.
Wrapping Up
Making changes to your daily routine can be fun, challenging and absolutely worth it if you go about it the right way. Set those goals, but make them realistic. Challenge yourself and reward yourself when you reach milestones.
Do not compare yourself to other people and keep in mind that everyone is different. Lastly, make sure that you get your rest and sleep routine just right. Not enough rest is counter-productive for your body, while too much sleep can render your useless and lazy.
Make sure you get the right amount for you!
