By Kate Gibson
It’s the same thing every year. “I’m going to be healthy this year!” You hit the web buying new sports bras and sneakers. Some even make it as far as a gym membership. January is the biggest year for gyms. Men and women hit the ellipticals and Zumba classes until “the day” comes. You know that day, when you get sick, or you have a last minute deadline and you mutter the words “off day.”
That is the universal saying of “I’m done.” This may sound harsh, but the fact is, your New Year’s resolution wouldn’t be health every year if you actually stuck to it. Obviously something went wrong. So here’s some tough love. If you take an “off day” before 3 week of consistent healthy living, you’ll fail.
Take it from someone who was so close to that three-week mark and failed. Here are a few tips to keep you motivated and make 2015 the last year for the “being healthy” New Year’s Resolution.
1. Stick to a workout schedule for at least three weeks.
Not only is this the timeline when you see the tiny result in whatever workout you’re doing, but it also creates a biological schedule.
2. Allow fats into your diet.
Eating healthy doesn’t mean no carb, no fat diets. Eat more greens and fruits. Drink more water and less coffee. Instead of reducing the bad things you eat, increase the good stuff.
3. Avoid juice detox kits as a diet.
These are not meant to be a diet. Use them once a year to clean out your system, not to lose weight. I promise you’ll gain it all back and more.
4. It doesn’t have to be warm to be healthy.
Treadmills may suck, but your gym membership gives the ability to attend classes. Spinning and Hot Yoga sounds a lot better than a 3-mile treadmill run.
5. Results will not come immediately.
Results don’t just take effort, but time too. If you go too hard too fast your body will not only hurt, but won’t want to go on. So even if you want to fit into that dress in a week, take it slow and steady, you’ll eventually win the race.