New Year, New Resolutions – Get Back to The Family Fitness Center and Promote Weight Loss for the New Year
- Believe in yourself.
- Attitude Adjustment – one of the reasons people fail at women’s weight loss and getting fit is they don’t adjust their mindset. It’s been proven that diet’s fail; ultimately people get bored or once they reach their goal it is a matter of time before the weight comes back. Instead, think of 2009 as a lifestyle change in your health/fitness routine.
- Get moving! – If you gave yourself a vacation from the family fitness center over the holidays, it’s time to get back on track and start your weight loss. This year, challenge yourself and maximize minutes. Make good use of free time, whether it’s 5 minutes, an hour or more. Add little bits of physical activity – a walk, a bike ride, parking further away, etc. – every day. Up the intensity of your workout to make your body work more, add another day to your workout schedule or a new routine or sport. Do something that challenges you.
- Set Realistic Goals – don’t make your resolution about losing as much weight as you can as quickly as you can. Instead, make 2009 the year that you learn how to make healthy and better choices in exercise and nutrition that will help you drop the pounds and keep them off.
- Reward Yourself – Set mini goals, like losing 10% of your current weight, eating more vegetables with your meals, increasing your workout schedule, exercise intensity or routine. Once you reach a goal, reward yourself. Treat yourself to a manicure or new shirt. Maybe there is a CD or book you’ve been wanting or new earrings. Whatever the reward, make sure it is not food!
- Drink More – water that is! Instead of alcohol, soda and flavored drinks make sure you drink plenty of water every day. Water helps improve your energy, remove toxins/waste, keeps your skin healthy, allows for proper digestion and can help you lose weight, among other benefits.
- Eat healthier foods – opt for natural, whole grain over white and processed foods. Remember, just because it’s healthier doesn’t mean indulge. Watch portions. Exercise and nutrition complement each other for women.
- Eat slowly – and put your fork down between bites. Avoid eating in front of the TV. Before you go for seconds, wait 15 minutes to be sure you’re really hungry.
- Get Your ZZZs – at least 8 hours. People who sleep less tend to have lower levels of leptin, a hormone that helps suppress appetite and increase metabolism. At the same time, sleep loss tends to increase your level of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. As a result, people who sleep less may eat more. They also may eat more foods that are unhealthy. Studies have shown people crave sweets, starch and salty snacks when sleep is restricted.
- Form a Cheerleading Squad – Surround yourself with supportive people who rally around you and encourage you along the way, not sabotage you.
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