Healthy Habits for 2017!
The start of a new year means harnessing your newfound motivation and setting some positive habits and changes that your body will thank you for. Habits form the backbone of what we do every day, both good and bad. The key is to ensure these habits are ones that act as stepping stones that will foster an overall healthier version of you. No matter what your goals are this year, make 2017 your happiest and healthiest self by incorporating some of these tips below into your everyday routine.
1. Stop making healthy eating and exercise a chore!
When you think about dieting what words come to mind? Probably something along the lines of deprivation, torture and starvation. Sound familiar?If these are feelings that are evoked in you when it comes to dieting, then you are setting yourself up for failure before you even begin. Your attitude and mindset are the biggest factors to your success, so approaching a diet with a negative mentality is going to produce a negative result. So what can you do? Stop thinking about healthy eating and exercise as a ‘diet’ or an inconvenience and start approaching your new lifestyle with an optimistic outlook; making small positive changes each day instead of looking at an overall result .
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be restrictive or boring. After all, it is a 'lifestyle’.
Here are some tips:
“I can’t come out for lunch today, I am on a diet” . Now swap this to “Let’s go out for lunch today, but how about we try this new healthy café that just opened up”
Find healthier alternatives of the foods you love such as pizza and cakes- there are abundant resources and delicious recipes online
If you don’t love the style of workout you are doing, change it up. Bceause let’s be honest, nobody loves cardio! Spice things up if you become bored and try exercise outlets such as pilates, HIIT, boxing, stand up paddle boarding or whatever your heart desires
Find a fitness buddy or friend that can keep you accountable
Download a healthy eating app such as ‘My fitness pal’ so you can monitor exactly what you are eating each day
Every new lifestyle change or new habit can initially seem overwhelming, but the secret is to take it one day at a time and I assure that you will see results.
2. Stop going to the grocery store on an empty stomach
No matter your willpower, heading to the grocery store when you are starving presents a challenge- everything looks delicious! High calorie foods become more tempting, and healthy food choices are thrown into disregard! Try heading to the store at hours when you are less vulnerable. For example, after lunch or after dinner . Additionally, try bringing a healthy snack in your bag such as a piece of fruit or a granola bar if you become tempted by the cookies or chocolate!
However, life often doesn’t go to plan and you may find yourself hitting the grocery store after a long ravenous day at work. If this is the case, make sure you are prepared so that you can prevent all of your hard work being thrown out the window. Try to avoid using a trolley and use a basket instead, avoid danger zones such as the bakery or the confectionary isle and make sure you have a set list- either a mental list or a written note that will stop you from going off track.
3. Start meal planning and prepping
This is one of the easiest habits you can make to make your life healthier and easier; and you don’t have to be a body builder to partake. There are numerous advantages to meal prepping such as being able to better manage your time and reduce stress during the week whilst saving you money. Meal planning also eliminates the need to rely on unhealthy last minute options as you have already previously prepared your meals. Having control over the portions and ingredients of each meal also helps to keep you on track with your fitness goals
4. Begin your day with a glass of warm lemon water
Starting your day off with a glass of warm lemon water not only kick starts your metabolism but also helps to detoxify your body naturally. This process also aids digestion whilst removing unwanted toxins and rehydrates the body from the night before. Create a habit of consuming 600ml upon waking, before breakfast. Additionally, adding a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar to your water has many benefits such as improving immune function, aiding weightless, reducing cravings and promoting healthy skin pH.
Fitique Nutrition
