The new year is just over a week away and one of the top 3 resolutions every year is to lose weight and get healthy.
According to the CDC 34.9% of U.S. adults are considered obese and the National Institutes of Health state that 68.8% of U.S. adults are overweight . How is it that losing weight is a top resolution, yet the obesity rate continues to grow?
I believe one of the reasons is people make their resolutions wrong. Below are six tips I think will help make those healthy resolutions happen this year.
- Be Specific. I want to lose weight is to general of a statement. Being to general with our goals usually leads to failure. Instead try something like.... I will lose 5 pounds by March 1st. Or I will lose 15 pounds by June 15th. Setting specific numbers and dates forces you to stay more focused on achieving that goal.
- Start Slow. Don't go from 0 to 100. If losing weight is your goal start by adding exercise into your weekly routine. Once that becomes a normal part of life, then start cleaning up your diet. Drastically changing both right away can be overwhelming and is a recipe for disaster.
- Make Yourself a Priority. We all know and have probably uttered the phrase "life happens" many times. Yes, life for many of us is hectic with work and kids and the kids sport schedules, but for your healthy resolution to happen you must fit you into that schedule. Write down your exercise time on your calendar or put it in your planner. Planning ahead and having set times will make getting your workouts in much easier.
- Stay Positive. Setbacks happen. But a setback or two should not stop you from your ultimate goal. Expect them to happened and be ready to take the necessary steps to move forward past them.
- Have Patience. This is a tough one. We live in a happen now society in which everything is ready and waiting at a moments notice. But sadly health and fitness is not like that. It takes time for your body to make the necessary physiological changes needed for your goals. Stay strong and steady on your course and it will happen.
- Ask For Help. This is a big one in my opinion. Many times pride or embarrassment get in the way and can halt our progress. Maybe you've figured out the exercise part but are confused on the best way to eat. And what does "make sure you get your macros" mean anyway. Instead of asking a professional for fear of looking foolish or weak you just quit or you try and wing it on your own. If your hot water tank starts leaking you call in a plumber to take care of it. Well the same should be true for your health. Personal trainers and nutritionists are available and excited to help. Take advantage of their knowledge and use it to reach your ultimate goal.
Losing weight or getting healthy is not always an easy thing to do. It requires a complete lifestyle change for many but if you follow the advice above and believe in yourself and that you are worth it anything is possible.
Stay Fit. Stay Strong.
