Where Should I Start?
The first thing to do is talk to your health care provider. Be sure that if you begin any diet or exercise program that you are healthy enough to do so. They will also give you some pointers.
Next, decide what exactly you want to do. Are you planning on toning, losing weight, gaining muscle but shedding fat? No two people are the same so your fitness program should be individual to you.You have to make goals for yourself; start small and move up from there.
I should also say that you can start getting healthy and fit at ANY time. If you’ve never worked out you can still do this! Start out by walking up more stairs, park far away at school or the grocery store.
Do this at your own pace, don’t rush yourself or try to keep up with someone else. By simply adding different activities into your daily routine you will get more comfortable with your new lifestyle.
I’ve really found that planning and writing down goals helps keep me on track. Also, keeping track of your hard work will motivate you. Take a before picture or measurements even and do a check-in every few months. Nothing makes me feel more proud than seeing my progress.
Now that you are on the right track get rid of your junk food! Bored creeps in and I instantly get hungry! If all I have at home are cookies, chips, etc that’s what I’ll reach for. Get rid of it and fill your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy snacks. This is important!
Cut out the alcohol! It has about 7 calories per gram and all it does is add empty calories to your diet. It’s a diuretic so it just causes water loss (dehydration). It also makes you lose important minerals that your body needs.
Find something you enjoy. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle (this should be a life change not something temporary) then you really need to find something you enjoy. Don’t torture yourself on a treadmill when all you want is to be outside…go ride your bike. Exercise you enjoy is exercise you will actually do.
Finally, be positive. Beating yourself up will not help you accomplish your goals. You can do anything you set your mind to with the right tools and the right attitude.
