New Year, New Me: 6 Tips to Stay On Track This Year
It’s a new year and people like to use the month of January as a fresh start to finally getting fit and dropping those unwanted pounds. Sticking to a diet day in and day out will at some point wear on your nerves and focus. You can keep that from happening by finding ways to stay on track so you can finally hit those goals.
Here are 6 tips to help you stay on track this year and beyond!
1. Set Small & Large Goals
If your long-term goal is to lose, let’s say…25 or 50 pounds, then you’ll need small goals to keep the motivation up. I like to do weekly goals, such as eating more veggies or exercising at least 4 times a week, and as I achieve them, I pat myself on the back. By setting small and large goals, you’re less likely to be discouraged and quit altogether.
2. Keep a Food Journal
I have a food journal and it’s absolutely the best way I like to stay on track with my meals. Being specific is probably the most important aspect of keeping an effective journal. For example, when I’m writing, I focus on portion size, time of day, and how I felt before, during, and after eating.
I was once told long ago that within an hour after my workouts, I should consume protein and fiber so I make sure to make a note of my post-workout meals for the day. There’s no better way to recover after a workout session and preserve muscle mass than eating protein. Having a fiber-rich snack will also leave you feeling satisfied and full for hours.
A great food source I’m currently lovin’ at the moment is Dannon Oikos Protein Crunch yogurt. I found it at my local Walmart and picked up a few in different flavors and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Oikos Protein Crunch is an excellent pre or post protein snack as it contains 17 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving. This greek nonfat yogurt has no artificial or added sugar and comes with tasty toppings to give the yogurt you love, the crunch you want, packed with the protein you need!
3. Track Your Successes
Keep track of your results by writing it down in a journal, using a fitness tracker or on a graph where you can see your progress. Use anyone of these tools as a visual reminder of how far you’ve come, and what you need to do keep going.
READ: 13 Weight Loss Hacks For The Lazy Girl
4. Make it Enjoyable
Do what’s best for you. If you’re more likely to go to a pilates class than run on the treadmill, write down the class times and do more of that. If you’re tired of the same meals over and over again, mix it up with a new one. I like to change up my post-workout snacks every once in a while and right now, I’m really loving Dannon Oikos Protein Crunch Yogurt.
5. Recommit if You Have Setbacks
You don’t really need to have a fresh start at the beginning of the year. You can reaffirm your goals anytime of the year and having a calendar is a great reminder of that. If you think about it, every day, week or month can be a fresh slate to get back to work.
6. Congratulate Yourself
Reward yourself every once in a while. Maybe it’s buying some ice cream for sticking to your meal plan or having a spa day. Note it down on the calendar as reminder to continue pushing through while keeping your eyes on the prize.
Head over to your local Walmart, go straight to the Dairy aisle, and pick up all 4 flavors (Banana & Chocolate, Chocolate Oats & Peanuts, Oats & Blueberries, and Oats & Peanuts). Make sure to use this ibotta offer when you do!
