There are lots of different ways to lose weight and to live a healthy lifestyle. However, knowing which one is the best for you to start and maintain over the long term can be challenging. A lot of trial and error is usually involved and it can be frustrating, at times, to learn how to be healthy.
This week, try something new. Tell yourself that you need to keep up your weight loss strategy for only seven days and dedicate yourself to it wholeheartedly. That way, you can test out a number of different parts of living healthfully in order to lose weight, you won’t have to feel as though it will be never ending, and you can discover a few things that actually work for you and that you will enjoy keeping up for the long term, giving yourself an advantage even if they’re the only changes you make for a while. Make this week one to learn how to be healthy for life!
Sure, one week isn’t the ideal, but maybe after you see what you’re capable of achieving in that time, you’ll be motivated to give another week a try, with an improved strategy based on everything you’ve learned.
How do you do it? It’s time to pull out your day planner. Whether you have a paper book, a smartphone app or it’s on your computer, you’ll need to have a calendar because this will be your next friend for the coming seven days as you learn how to be healthy. Once you’re all set, try the following:
• Look at your vital obligations – note the times that you are obligated to spend at work, making sure to leave your lunch breaks clear. Working hours clearly won’t be times that you can set aside for workouts or food prep, of course. If possible, shuffle things around to keep your days as smooth as possible. Though you may like to have one overwhelming day so you’ll have an easier one to follow, you might find that you’ll be happier overall if you have two more moderate days to contend with.
• Food – plan your meals. It may sound like a nuisance, but remember that it’s for only one week. Next, head out the door and shop for all the ingredients you’ll need for each of those meals. If you can, prep as much as possible in advance. For example, when you make dinner, cook an extra portion so you can bring it for lunch the next day. Focus on veggies, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins. Every plate should be half filled with veggies, a quarter filled with whole grains and a quarter with protein.
• Workouts – set aside time, every day, for exercise. This may mean that you’ll need to get up slightly earlier in the morning. It’s only seven days. Mix things up. Plan to have four days of cardio, two days of strength training and a day of yoga. Space them out so you’re not doing the same workout every day.
• Relax – remember that sleep and relaxation are as important as eating right and exercising. Go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. Try to spend the last hour before bedtime in dim light, doing something calming.
