Hi everyone, we are almost through the first month of the new year. I can tell you from experience that it can be challenging to get back into a "fitness" routine after the holidays. Don't worry though, I will share some of the things that I do to ensure getting back into a routine is easy and effortless.
First off, lets start off with this...
If you are finding it difficult "to get back into the swing of things" and feel like you are failing at your New Years resolution of being more active...STOP! Stop putting that pressure on yourself. Its not going to help you by beating yourself up and focusing on the things you didn't do. If this sounds familiar then pay attention to the next sentence. Instead of focusing on your failures, lets celebrate your wins.
Celebrate
If you are reading this, chances are you are looking for fitness guidances of "how to" or perhaps you googled "fitness tips" and this post came up. Regardless, you are here reading this and diving into the pool of fitness, looking to consume all the fitness knowledge you can. Let's celebrate that for a moment. Take time away from this blog post, close your eyes, and imagine yourself speaking to you. Now say this..."I am proud of you"...I'll wait as you compliment yourself. I will do it too.
Didn't that feel good? Always celebrate your success and only visit your failures to gather data for learning purposes. Let's talk about success for a moment. Somewhere down the line, as a society, it has been common practice to use someone else's success as a measurement of our own. So, instead of asking "how do you define success" let's change it and I'll ask "what is your measurement for success." So, what is it? Ask yourself, what is my measurement of success. It's kind of a tough question when it's asked like that.
Success
My answer to the question of "what is your measurement for success?" is what I accomplished yesterday. As long as I am trying to be better than I was yesterday, then I am already winning at this game that is truly, you versus you. Instead of looking for external data to use as a measurement for your own success, look from within. Be your own hero. Be your own reason. Most importantly be who you want to be. Use your accomplishments as a measurement of what success should look like. This will help you to build a strong foundation of self-motivation and self-inspiration. When we can let go of all the things that hold us back, we will become unstoppable.
Simplicity
Keep things simple and don't overcomplicate it. Nutrition is one of those things that is overlooked and by far the most under appreciated aspect of fitness. Your nutrition habits will get you closer to your fitness goal or further away. Always keep nutrition simple. Meal prepping is something I have heard about since I started in fitness. Its always "you gotta meal prep" and I will confirm that meal prepping sucks! Who wants to spend 4 to 6 hours on Sundays and Wednesdays cooking a bunch of food and weighing it out? I tried that and I will tell you, it doesn't work. It may make you feel better about yourself, but I will tell you from experience that it out right SUCKS! It starts to become a chore.
Its horrible, not to mention you are risking your food to spoil because it gets out of temperature as you're prepping away. Its just a waste of time. Thats why there are companies or solopreneurs now that will prep food for you. Besides, if you have a busy life-style than there is no way you can keep up with meal prepping. It becomes like a chore and with chores, we all dislike doing it.
Nutrition
So the question is, how do I keep nutrition simple? Easy...buy yourself a crockpot, nothing fancy...just something to get the job done. Before your day starts or perhaps the night before, turn on your crockpot add water, throw some beans or your choice of protein in there, chop up some veggies, add seasoning...and viola...done! The prepping process may have took you 5 to 10 minutes. Sure does beat a whole days worth in the kitchen. It's that simple.
I'm not going to write out a recipe and put on specific measurements, specific times, and have you follow it step-by-step. Don't do that. It'll turn it into a chore. Just simply throw in your main macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbs--real carbs like veggies) into your crockpot and walk away. It'll be done cooking within a few hours. Just enough time to go to work or do household chores, pick up the kids, and hit the gym. Fair warning though...remember to nourish yourself with food and not reward. Yes, of course food should taste delicious, but over time your crockpot food will become delicious and you won't want anything else.
Here's another "recipe" to add to your plethora of recipes for your nutrition -- Get yourself a big pot. Cut up veggies (or buy the pre-cut ones) beans (or whatever protein you like), throw it in the pot. Add your seasoning and then add water. Turn it in high to bring it all to a boil and let it boil for a few minutes, then turn it down to simmer. Now walk away...your food will be ready in an hour or so.
Summary
By keeping the cooking process and your nutritional ingredients simple you will lose your unwanted weight. Why? Mainly because there are no preservatives and fresh ingredients are lower in calories. Remember my last post about caloric deficit? Use simple ingredients that came from the earth. I promise you, you WILL lose weight. Your body will thank you for giving it something healthy. Now, you may not like it, but you will. Once you see your tummy flatten and your skin becomes more vibrant you will love the results. Keep nutrition simple and don't over complicate it. Use a crockpot and a cooking pot for your meals.
Nutrition Coaching
I am a NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist and I am ready to help when you are. I can help you create habits and obtain your goals. A little bit of coaching will help you launch yourself in the right direction.
Group Fitness
Fitness together is fun! Whether it's indoor cycling, yoga, or strength training, you will have a good time and leave feeling empowered.
