*Guest post*
When a new year starts we all have the best intentions to begin the year on a healthy foot. New gym wear? Check. Renewed gym membership? Check. The latest clean eating book? Check.
It all starts so well and then next thing you know you’re scoffing a late night McDonalds, because what is life without a bit of indulgence? And why doesn’t healthy food taste as good as the bad stuff?
The thing with healthy eating is, it’s all about making a complete commitment and lifestyle change. So, how do make the healthy habits last longer than a few weeks (or days)?! These five habit makers should help.
Set a Goal
Set yourself a goal. But make it achievable. Most of the time fitness dreams fizzle out because they are far too ambitious to actually achieve within their timeframe. It’s great that you’re enthusiastic, but keep the goals you set within easy reach.
If your aim is to run the marathon then that’s amazing. But if you’ve never even set foot on a running track then you’re probably not going to be running 26.2 miles anytime soon. Start by working towards a 5km run then a 10km.
Keep it Varied
A few months into the same routine things can start to get a little boring. And as soon as they get boring, the interest and desire to workout starts to dwindle. Try to keep your exercise routine as varied as possible – variety is the spice of life after all!
If you love going to exercise class then why not do a different one each week. Not only will it mean the workouts are completely different each week but you’ll be working out different areas of your body too.
Make it Delicious
Making healthy food choices doesn’t mean you need to live off of rabbit food for the next 3 months in order to get a body like Gigi Hadid. Thank the rise of the wellness blogger for filling up your Instagram feed and clogging up Pinterest – because healthy can mean delicious.
Invest in a spiralizer and swap out your usual pasta or noodles for courgetti (courgette) and squoodles (butternut squash) to reduce your carb intake and up your veggie count. Apple slices topped with nut butter make a delicious but healthy treat too.
Be Regular
One of the best ways to make health and fitness a part of your life is to make a regular commitment. Find a time that works best for you. It could be before work so you don’t sit dreading it all day or after work to let off some steam.
There are always going to be times when something always takes the time slot over exercise, so try not to be too strict if you miss a session and get back into it as soon as you can or do some quick home exercises instead. Whack it in the diary so it reminds you or add it to your to-do list. The satisfaction when you tick it off will be a great motivator.
Create a Support Group
Being healthy doesn’t mean you need to live in fitness Narnia. Grab a friend, your partner or family member and get them to start the journey to a healthier lifestyle too. Start building up your support group as soon as you start to keep you going when times get tough.
If you’re stuck for people to join you then attending regular fitness classes or local workout groups is a great way to meet people. You could join a local ParkRun for a free 5km run and make some new friends at the same time.
Disclaimer: This is a guest post. The photo is a stock image from Pixabay.
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