You're not alone if you're feeling out of shape and unhealthy after a fun-filled December. We've all indulged in unhealthy habits and foods at some point, and when the fun is over, it can be tough to face the reality of our own health. But it's never too late to turn things around and get back on track.
One mistake that many people make when trying to get healthy again is turning to crash diets and overtraining. These quick fixes may show a short-term difference on the scale, but they're not sustainable in the long term. Instead of relying on crash diets, it's essential to make a complete lifestyle change in order to develop and maintain healthy habits. This can be challenging, but with a little trial and error, you can find a balance that works for you.
To get started on your journey towards improving your health and fitness this year, follow these tips:
- Don't beat yourself up for falling off the wagon. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, but it's important to remember that you can always work on your health and fitness. Don't let past mistakes hold you back from moving forward.
- Avoid extreme diets that cut out entire food groups. These diets are not sustainable and can actually lead to weight gain in the long run. Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet and controlling your calorie intake to reach your goals.
- Set clear goals for yourself and create a meal and training plan to help you reach them. This will make it easier to stay on track.
- Take things slowly and don't overtrain or try to lift too much weight in your first week. Build yourself up gradually and stick to your plan to see results.
- Consider working with a personal trainer or nutritionist to hold you accountable and check in on your progress.
- Be realistic about your goals and give yourself time to recover and naturally get rid of water weight. Don't obsess over the number on the scale or the reflection in the mirror – focus on feeling healthy and strong instead.
- Find activities that you enjoy and make them a part of your routine. This will make it easier to stay motivated and stick to your goals.
It’s never too late to start over and get healthy again. You can reach your goals and feel your best with a little hard work and dedication.
Remember that you are not starting from scratch, but from experience. You have learned how unhealthy foods make you feel. You have also learned what physical activities you most enjoy and what does and doesn’t work for you. This is your advantage when you “start over.” It might feel intimidating, but it is essential to remember that you can make positive changes in your life by setting and working towards clear goals - and remember to seek support when needed.
Be kind to yourself. Progress will take time, and you will have challenges during the new year, but stay focused on your goal. You can succeed in your journey towards a happier and healthier you.