As the new year approaches, people are already thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions. Losing weight, getting in shape, and improving health are some of the top resolutions made each year. Yet many people don’t know where to start.
Before you change your diet or start a fitness routine, go get a complete physical. Let your doctor know about the changes you would like to make and ask if there is anything you might need to limit, or at least watch out for.
Once you get the green light from your physician, get started with small changes. Easing into a new diet or fitness routine will make it easier to stick with it. Start out with just a couple of workouts per week, plus a couple of shorter walks. Make some easy substitutions in your diet. As you become used to these changes, incorporate more.
Try to make a schedule and keep to it. Knowing ahead of time when you are planning to workout will help you prepare and make you less likely to run out of time. Schedule it into your day like you would a meeting, an appointment, etc.
Don’t expect to always feel like sticking to it. Some days you just aren’t going to feel like going out and taking that walk. Or going to the gym. Or eating healthy. Do it anyway. You wouldn’t think of skipping brushing your teeth in the morning. Think of exercise and healthy eating the same way – something you just do.
All it takes is some small steps to get started in the right direction!
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