Preparation Is Key
Mindset is everything and preparation is the puzzle piece for success! Today I’ll be sharing some helpful tips that can assist in staying aligned with your goals. As much as I preach enjoying life, there’s a major difference between restriction and having goals. You might be thinking well how is it different? Aren’t you still like “dieting?” Absolutely not! That word makes me cringe. Its not allowed here! Oh, I’m kidding…or am I? Haha. Nutrition goals can be as simple as having protein and veggies at each meal, eating enough fiber, and drinking enough water. Exercise goals can be widely different for all. Typically ranging from 3-5 days weekly. Along with personal records and endurance that are vastly individualized.
So because your nutrition and exercise as a whole is most important, setting realistic goals that are achievable in every fluctuation of life is essentially setting yourself up for lifelong health. Life is busy! We have work and/or school, social time with family and friends, hobbies, self care etc. Throw children into the mix and time seems to tick away in the blink of an eye! How on earth do you begin to manage your health and fitness goals? I’ll keep this as general as possible because we do not all have the same 24 hours in a day and schedules can shift through life events.
Here are 5 tips that can make this whole health and fitness thing a bit more manageable:
Meal plan for shopping. This can also help with budgeting! Especially with todays food prices am I right? Make a list prior to your grocery store outing. Those few minutes of planning actually saves you time in the long haul.
Meal prep if you want/can. Personally I go through phases of meal prepping. When I work from home as I do now, its easier to have leftover dinner or whip up a wrap or salad but when I worked outside of the home it was a must! Meal prepping does not have to be tragic boring old chicken, rice, and broccoli meal. Get creative! There are so many awesome well balanced recipes out there! If its yummy, you will be more motivated to continue to prep.
Plan out your weekly exercise routine and reflect on it each week. Keep a journal or write in your note pad on your phone. I am very keen on routine but my schedule is flexible and allows me to exercise at the same time each day. If yours does also, I find routine very helpful. If your day to day schedule is constantly changing then be realistic when setting exercise goals. Its not impossible but calls for extra preparation. Reflect on what can realistically be done differently and progress forward.
Plan for outings, trips, etc. This aids in hitting your goals of course but mainly for honoring your hunger. I know if I go on a day outing to the lake without snacks; I will become one HANGRY MONSTER. Trust me, nobody wants to see that side of me. Honoring your hunger in the moment helps with over eating and feeling out of control later; once you do actually eat. As for exercise, I know my body feels best when I move it each day, even if it’s a walk or yoga.
Take each day as it comes. If you fall off, keep going! Its okay if you didn’t hit your protein goal or have a single vegetable all day. You only managed two workouts this week? That is fine! When you begin to accept what is, without feelings of guilt or shame(which again should NEVER be feelings towards food or yourself) that’s when the real mindset shift occurs. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again “It’s what you do MOST of the time that truly matters!”
Stay sustained out there!
