| Commit to the
Plan |
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By Beth Gorbet |
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So you’ve decided to make some changes. You’re going
to take steps to improve your health, both
nutritionally and physically.
Good for you! Now, how are you going to ensure that
you stick with the plan? The following are some of
our suggestions.
Enjoy it! |
Pick an activity that you like. Vary your exercise
routine by trying a new sport or adding a few
classes to a workout routine. Add dance to the mix
or join your company sports team.
In terms of nutrition, focus on what you can eat as
opposed to what you can’t eat. Experiment with
recipes and new products.
Determine the Best Time
The best time to exercise is the time you are most
likely to do it. Simple, isn’t it?
The morning is ideal because it will boost your
metabolism and jump start your day but that doesn’t
work for everyone. If you can consistently steal
time at lunch or before dinner, then commit to that.
You don’t want to exercise too late in the evening
because it will interfere with your ability to fall
asleep.
Eat before you work out so you have energy to burn.
Fruit is an excellent choice first thing in the
morning followed by a little protein. If you
exercise late in the day, eat something light
afterward and not too much prior to going to bed.
Communicate Your Goals
Your health is not optional and you should view
related goals as essential to your life. To keep on
track, you may need a lofty goal such as a marathon
or a simpler weekly goal of increased weight or
distance on the treadmill. You may decide to add
more fresh produce to your diet or to take fewer
trips to the local fast food joint. Whatever the
carrot, set a deadline and strive to reach it.
Compensate for Days Missed
Exercise, like nutrition, is cumulative. If you miss
one workout, consider it a day to rest. You need
those days too, to rejuvenate and rebuild. But
remember it is easy to fall into old default
patterns, so be strict with yourself about the days
to come. Giving yourself a break here and there is
expected. You are working on a continuum. Just keep
moving forward.
If you are occasionally tempted to deviate from your
nutritional plan, do so without guilt and enjoy, but
get back to the plan as quickly as is practical. A
detour is not a good reason to back track.
Aches and Pains
In the beginning, everyone experiences aches and
pains. That is proof that you are using muscles that
you rarely exercise. But it hurts, so once a week
take an Epsom salt bath after your workout. This is
especially good to do when you have added new
exercises or resistance to your training. It helps
to release the lactic acid build up that adds to
your discomfort. A hot shower or sauna will help
also. Drink plenty of water and eat lots of green
stuff. You need the antioxidants to combat free
radicals, which are a natural byproduct of increased
metabolism.
The bottom line is this – don’t let anything stop
you once you have made this decision. Congratulate
yourself for every minor healthful choice and every
noticeable improvement.
©2008 Beth Gorbet |
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