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Welcome to 2020! Not only a new year and a new decade, but also, a new you. I know what’s on everybody’s mind, the next holiday, but also weight loss. Moving into a healthier lifestyle and weight is the #1 pledged resolution, most would agree. This can often seem like an obtainable goal until it’s actually time to get on the treadmill.
So what happens now? I have to say in my experience the only big things that matter when you’re starting a ‘fitness journey’ are less food, more movement, and a clear headspace. The rest comes after.
Exercise
Take it from theHealthy, these huge life changes have to start small in order for your goal to stay within reach. Taking your dog on a longer walk than usual, start your day with a glass of water and focused stretching. Walk the stairs instead of using the elevator. None of these seem significant, but once your body gets used to the idea of movement, it won’t seem so traumatizing.
Eventually, you’ll find yourself running instead of walking every day and finally feeling like you’re coming out of the hole you dug yourself into. Working into a fitness routine takes time and building strength and ability doesn’t happen overnight either. No, you can’t build a booty in a week no matter what Cosmopolitan says. It is important to prioritize your cardiovascular health throughout every life stage.
Food
I don’t want to title this section nutrition because all of a sudden you’re picturing dry salads and protein shakes. Food should be something you have a healthy relationship with. It is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Eating healthy doesn’t have to taste bad at all and it will make you feel so much better you’ll be able to start doing those exercised we talked about above.
Eating cake on birthdays isn’t going to instantly make you gain weight, but eating nothing but celery and almonds is almost just as bad for you. Think of food as an equation to your body, and everyone is different. Some enjoy a more protein-based diet, some gravitate towards healthy fats. The key to cracking the code is balance. Every meal needs each component to be satisfying and energizing.
Limiting portions is a fast track to binge eating and eventually the surrendering of your goal. Eating the same amount of healthy foods can do the trick itself.
Mental Space
This is the most important section of them all because, at the end of the day, it’s you who has to decide to make these changes. Learning to cope with setbacks and fatigue is the only thing that stands between you and who you want to be. This doesn’t have to sound like an inspirational pep-talk, it’s just necessary.
Let’s be honest, working out is hard. Changing eating patterns is extremely hard. Combining these along with everything else in life and pushing through to the other side? Unbelievably difficult. Remembering to take everything in small strides rather than enormous knee-shattering leaps is critical.
The body is the body, and though it is so important to nourish it, feeding the soul and mind should come first.
Feeling inspired. Check out websites like Fitness Blender for ideas to get you started. The internet is your friend here and good luck!
