Back for round #2 on this Tuesday to share some of my secrets—a few tidbits of advice I have learned through my often tumultuous love of everything health and fitness...and please note to self, these things are specific tips and tricks that work for ME, meaning use with caution and remember to pay attention to what your body is telling you to do!
1. Use the scale to your advantage... unlike some people, I tend to argue that you should weigh yourself everyday. If you have a goal in which you're trying to accomplish, this is the way to track even if you've gained a pesky pound or two--however, keep in mind your actual weight can fluctutate throughout the day so take note!
2. Find your “happy weight”--check out this quiz... for me, my happy range is between 113 and 118 and I always know what I need to do to get back to business if I indulge in a few too many treats
3. Do in moderation... and yes, I most certainly believe this 100%--yes, you can have that cocktail, but cut back elsewhere--skip the steak and opt for fresh fish and a small salad--you shouldn't deprive yourself from something if you REALLY want it, but make sure you increase your activity or elminate something else to hold yourself accountable and not go overboard
4. Choose a goal and stick to it--have an important event coming up? a bikini you're wanting to fit in? aelect a goal that you think you can meet and do what it takes to get there! sometimes, it's better to choose smaller goals and then increase as you meet them... it's said that when you meet a goal you're apt to continue because you've seen just what you can do! don't sell yourself short
5. Surround yourself with positivity--if you're happy, you'll exude happiness, you'll be more likely to keep your body in check, and life will be all the more fun! have people in your life that bring you down? let them know that their negativity can influence people around them, or if you don't feel comfortable talking with them, simply cut back on your time spent with them
"life is too short to be anything but happy"
6. Eat 4 to 5 small meals a day… keeps your metabolism at top speed, burning the products you put into it and helps keep you going!! I have found that I do better when I have my larger meals at breakfast and lunch--and that mid-afternoon snack is a must in my book!
7. Write down what you eat—keep a food journal like the one posted here. This will help you keep track of calories consumed, number of glasses of water you drink each day, etc—this can really show you just how much that Ben and Jerry’s can backfire if you’re trying to lose weight
8. If you can’t make it to the gym, try a DVD... I've said it before and I'll say it again, that Jillian Michaels knows her stuff--The Shred is one of my favorite DVDs when I can't make it to the YMCA and you'll still feel the burn {today AND tomorrow!}
9. Don’t do it for anyone but yourself!
10. Don’t burn yourself with the same routine… switch it up! Go to a Pure Barre class, take a fun dance class with your girlfriends, take your honey on a weekend hike—if you do the same exercises each and every day, your muscles will adapt and you’ll be doing yourself a major injustice so get out there and use what God gave you!!
What are your favorite tips and tricks you've mastered and want to share??
