The New Year is upon us! While I realize it’s a little cliche it really is a great time to focus on making healthier choices and being the best version of yourself you can be.
What better time to leave the past in the past and focus on a positive future! I’m all about body positivity. I’m all about loving yourself, no matter what size you are (and no matter what anyone else, including society says about you!)
I also strongly believe you can love & accept yourself and also actively try to be the best version of yourself you can be.
Because, that’s where I’m at right now. I love me, and I also want to feel healthier, have more energy, and give myself the best chance at living a long and healthy life!
The Struggle
Personally, I’ve always struggled with my weight. Always. I’ve always been bigger than I wished to be. I’ve always looked in the mirror and been less than happy with the reflection staring back at me. I’ve always had way less energy than I need.
I even dealt with an eating disorder in high school and all kinds of other self-depricating things due to lack of self esteem .
Now that I’m older, and a little bit wiser I realize that I do love myself. I have so many great qualities and nothing to be ashamed of. I also realize that by taking accountability of my health & eating habits I can be the best version of myself that there is.
And to be honest being constantly active and going full throttle really isn’t my nature.
Wanting to be healthier and actually doing it.. are two different things entirely. But they don’t have to be.. if you just focus on baby steps and go from there. Every single step in the right direction is A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION!
Getting Fit The Lazy Way – New Year , New You
Here’s my guide to getting fit – the lazy way! Sometimes small changes can make the biggest difference. So, here are a few tips that help me!
Distract yourself.
Unfortunately for me I’ve never been the type to get excited about exercise. I want to, don’t get me wrong. Am I jealous of those who do? Absolutely. I know that there are actually people who love running . But, the idea of doing something on purpose that’s going to make me even more exhausted than my child already does – isn’t necessarily my idea of a good time.
And Zumba at 5 am, don’t even get me started. I honestly admire people like this. I do, so if you’re reading this and that’s you – teach me your ways please!
I get more excited by things like I don’t know, Cheesecake. Tacos. An entire bottle of Wine.
And what I really mean is all of them at once – while binge watching a Real Housewives Marathon for 4 hours. Ok.. not really thats a little extreme, but you get my point though, I’m just not that into it.
So, the most important thing I’ve found is DISTRACTION. Instead of just walking on the treadmill or riding the exercise bike, I do it while watching whatever show I’m catching up on at the time. Or sometimes I’ll even try to multi-task and do some blog work on mobile while working out.
Also, If you don’t have any equipment, it’s just as easy to walk in place in front of the tv, throw in some high steps, some tai bo kicks, get your arms moving. If you want a break from standing, see how many sit ups you can do during each commercial break. Its fun and takes your mind off of the fact that you’re actually doing work. If all else fails – MUSIC, music, always music. The right playlist can always get you going!
Find a Friend
Find a friend to help keep yourself accountable and do the same for them. This could be in the form of your best friend, a significant other, or a friend from work. Whatever works for you. Having someone to confide in when you’re having trouble staying motivated is super beneficial. Another awesome reason to find a friend is that you guys can get up and get outside, go walking or jogging with that friend – you wont even know notice many calories you’ve burnt, because you’ll be too busy catching up!
Take the stairs and park further away.
If you can safely take the stairs and park farther from your destination,do it! Obviously, this isn’t something we can all do, all the time. I’m not talking about when it’s night time or If you’re in a bad part of town. I’m talking about when you’re being a lazy Susan.
You circled the front row of Target once already just to see if that lady in the second spot over was pulling out yet. But, why not park at the other end of the parking lot and get in a few extra steps on your way to the door.
Save those close up spots for someone who really needs them and burn some extra calories while you’re at it! Its a win win.
And If you’re in a hotel, the mall, an office building somewhere where you have time and are only going up a few floors, why take an elevator? Take the stairs! Move. Always move.
Water
Water. Lots and lots of water. This one is simple in order for your body to flush out toxins, stay hydrated, and run properly.. you need water. Lots and lots of water! So, calculate how many ounces a day you should be drinking and make it happen!
Reward Yourself
This one is self-explanatory. But, here’s why I think it’s important to reward yourself : You are not going to see immediate results. You won’t. So squash that dream right now. This is why I personally think you should reward yourself for making good choices. Eventually if you stick to it, make good choices, and work hard you will start seeing results!
It can be something small like: you drank 10 glasses of water today, so now you can have that glass of wine you’ve been thinking about all day. Or you’ve had salads for lunch all week.. now its Friday have a piece of pizza. Or it can be something larger like, you dropped 2 pants sizes, buy yourself that nice Coach purse you’ve been eyeing or a new pair of pants. Figure out a good reward that works for you and will motivate you to stick with your plan and not give up!
Motivation
Ok, let’s get into motivation a little more deeply. This is the key, really. Without motivation, we lack determination.
What drives you? Think about this. Are you motivated because you need to lose weight for your health? Think about your loved ones and yourself. Are you motivated because you want to be the best version of yourself you can be? Whatever it is that lights a fire under you to make some changes, use it. Take it and run with it. And when you’re struggling, remember it!
Fruit Instead of Fries
Look, I’m not giving up fries. So, don’t even worry. I’m also not giving up wine, chocolate, tacos, or pizza.
Learning to eat what you love in moderation is key. This topic is two fold. My first point is when choosing , choose wisely. This doesn’t mean you must always swap out for the healthier choices it just means be aware of your choices, if you are having fries for dinner maybe don’t have that bag of chips at lunch..how about some veggie chips instead? Or even a side of fruit?
The second part goes a step further and it comes down to swapping ingredients while cooking. Making swaps here and there can really help keep you on track.
You know that saying, “You should eat to survive.” ?
Well, (insert eye roll) I also eat food because it’s delicious and I love it. I also love to cook. Personally, I don’t want to sacrifice any flavor, so finding ways to switch one thing for something healthier and still come out with a tasty meal is absolutely key! Check out some of my favorite swaps and healthy-ish meals here:
Pizza – Low Calorie Pizza Dough
Chocolate Mousse – Avocado Chocolate Mousse
Sweet & Sour Chicken – Oven Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
Mashed Potatoes – Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
French Fries – Oven Baked Fries
Change Doesn’t Happen Over Night
This saying is so popular, because it’s true! Don’t expect to see change tomorrow morning. That’s not how it works and honestly you’ll just be setting yourself up for dissapointment. It can take weeks before you start seeing a change in yourself. That’s ok. Keep at it and don’t give up. Remember why you’re doing this – it’s to feel healthier and be healthier, so focus on how you feel and not how you look!
You’re worth it
Wait, you know that right? You are 100% worth it. So take pride in yourself and your life. Get out there and be the best YOU, you can be!