Getting fit is like getting your finances in order, it takes time, and it’s more of a marathon than a sprint. Here at The Savvy Scot, we are about both financial and physical health, in order for you to live the best life you possible can. So how do you go on about that?
1. Know your why
Getting healthy, fit, losing weight, it all needs to originate from a deeper motivation. You don’t eat broccoli and take medications for weight loss just for the sake of it. You do it because you want to kick a ball in the garden with your kids, because you want to look good on the beach, or because you want to follow your friend on that mountain hike this summer without carrying two stones of extra weight.
2. Be specific with your goal
Goals are much easier to achieve once you dig deep and find out your why. The more precise you are, the better. For example, “I want to lose weight” is not nearly as good as “I want to lose 10 pounds by June 1st so I can go take my family on an active vacation”. Once you have your goal, keep it in mind every time you are tempted to eat or skip the gym.
3. Get a routine
We only have a very limited amount of willpower to go through every day. Usually, we will wake up in the morning with energy to conquer the world, and a few hours later, feel like a nap and a hot chocolate. If you go to the gym first thing in the morning, your brain won’t even have time to wake up and protest. If you wait until 6pm when your whole energy has been drained by work, third party requests, errands, kids and more, chances are your mind will make a quick excuse and you’ll take it to skip the gym.
4. Make your life easier
This one also has to do with willpower. Nothing worse than coming home to an empty fridge and cupboards full of chips and cookies if you are trying to stay healthy and lose weight. Stop relying on your willpower and make life easier for yourself. Meal prep and cook over the weekend, so there are always healthy snacks around, such as carrot sticks and hummus, or yogurt, cut portions of fruits, etc. Batch cook and freeze portions for a lazy day. It will only take a few minutes to warm up these, easier and faster than waiting 30 minutes for a pizza to be delivered. And much better for your wallet as well.
5. Have a support system
You are strong and you got this, but the best way to stay the course if you want to get fit is to have a support system. Tell your friends what you are doing and what efforts you are putting in place in order to achieve your goals. They will understand that if they want to see you, it can be for a walk instead of happy hour, and then a meal at your place instead of a restaurant. Once more, good for the wallet and the waistline alike.
If you don’t have much of a support system, you can join online forums or local support groups.
Be kind to yourself, and try your best. Have your goal in mind and stay the course. Steady wins the race. Good luck!