Healthy Changes You Should Make Now

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Change takes a lot of dedication and hard work. If you really want to make a change, then let’s do it! I won’t lie to you. I won’t sugarcoat anything. It won’t always be easy. Committing to a healthier lifestyle is just that… commitment! A commitment that takes a lot of work. But believe me, it will all be worth it! I bet you have already tried it your way, right? So why don’t you give it a shot my way.

Here are five steps you can take to change your diet, exercise and lifestyle all for the better!

CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

The first step is to not sweat it. Literally, it’s all in your head. You need to realize that you have the power to change your life by changing your mind-set. We all have the ability to reach our goals. The challenge is in BELIEVING that you can reach your goals.

Look at how your day-to-day emotions and behaviors affect your health. Examine your self-destructive behaviors and work on taking away any negative self-talk.

SET ATTAINABLE GOALS

What is your vision when you think of you at your best? Take some time to imagine it, break it down, and then write it down. To make a change permanent, you will need to set both short-term goals and long-term goals. After choosing your goals, you then need to write down your action plan on how you will achieve them.

Your goals can be anything from – a new daily exercise regimen, learning and mastering a new exercise move each week, or even learning a new healthy recipe to cook each week. Setting specific and realistic goals will help you stay motivated.

When you hit a goal, reward yourself! I don’t mean with a cheat meal. Treat yourself to a massage for crushing all your workouts for the week. Or my personal favorite reward – buy a new workout outfit or a pair of new sneakers. Reaffirm your belief in yourself and your goals daily, and you’ll find yourself taking the steps you need to achieve them daily.

MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES

Take some time and restock your fridge and pantry. Since you can’t eat what’s not there, make sure there isn’t any junk food around. Stock up on nutritious and energy-boosting fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

GET MOVING

Exercise is the best way to burn calories and fat. Find activities that you love and will be able to stick to. Personally, I am a huge fan of circuit training because it simultaneously improves mobility, strength, and stamina. The key to exercise though, you have to find something you enjoy so you will actually keep at it.

CREATE A SUPPORT SYSTEM

You are responsible for your own success, but we all get by with a little help and support from our family and friends, right? that’s why it is important to build a healthy support system when it comes to hitting your health and fitness goals. Share your goals and how you are planning to accomplish them. This will help hold you accountable. Let them know how important it is to you to have their support.

Looking for a little more support? Hire a personal trainer! You will get someone who is educated when it comes to everything you need to know about exercising, someone who will motivate you, someone who will hold you accountable, and someone who challenges you. Wondering where to find a personal trainer… I can help with that 😉

And last but not least…

STICK WITH IT

Set up a workout schedule, mark it on your calendar and then DO IT!!! It may not be easy (it won’t be, and it shouldn’t be), but with the right mind-set, motivation, and support system, you can totally do this! Believe in yourself and your ability to change and you will.