With the new year comes new goals. For many, after a couple months of holiday parties, holiday desserts, and a lack of exercise due to cold weather and early sunsets, it can be shocking to realize just how out of shape your body has become.
Once you are out of the practice of eating right and exercising regularly, it can be increasingly difficult to get yourself into gear and form the habit of making healthy choices each day. Between busy schedules and the daily temptations of sugar and desserts, it can be challenging to start and stick with a diet and exercise regimen.
While there are always excuses, with motivation and determination, 2016 can be the year you lose weight and get the body you want. Here are a few ways to stay on track:
Make a Plan
It can be hard to follow a diet and exercise regimen when you have not actually put together a plan. In order to find success with losing weight and getting healthy, it is important that you have a weekly set of goals to follow, including how many calories you plan to consume each day, how many times you plan to workout, and what your motivation is to stay on track. While there will still be moments when you lack the desire to workout or choose something more nutritious than your usual dinner, having a plan can remind you what you are working toward, helping you stay strong.
Visit a Physician
Many people who carry excess weight are good candidates for plastic surgery, as there are often fat deposits and loose skin that make it difficult for the body to get back into shape. Visiting a physician to determine whether or not your body is healthy enough for surgery can help you decide if plastic surgery is a smart decision for you and your weight goals. From tummy tucks to liposuction to arm lifts, there are a wide variety of surgeries to choose from depending upon which areas you are struggling to maintain.
Accountability Partner
One of the best ways to stay motivated and stick with your goals is to find an accountability partner—someone who will hold you responsible to your diet and exercise goals. Many people find that having a partner helps them stay true to their diet plan, as they do not want to disappoint their accountability partner. Moreover, it is much easier for someone trying to lose weight to skip their workout if they are on the weight loss journey alone. If they have a workout partner, both parties are more likely to not only workout, but also workout much harder. This motivational tactic will encourage you to stick with your weight loss plan and meet your goals.
Nutrition
In this day and age, there always seems to be a new dietary plan that is the “next best thing.” For many, it can be confusing to determine what you should and should not be eating. Some diet plans suggest cutting carbs while others suggest cutting fats. Some plans say to cut your calories while others say to double your caloric intake. Some focus on proteins while others focus on fiber.
Finding the right diet plan for your body and lifestyle depends upon a variety of factors, including how much you exercise, your metabolism, your energy levels, etc. Speaking with a nutritionist, dietician, or physician can help you determine what is best for your body. They can assess your current weight, your goals, and your lifestyle to help you find a nutrition plan that works for you.
Exercise
Most people are aware that they do need to exercise in order to lose weight and maintain their physique. However, working out can be a particularly difficult task, especially for those who find no joy in physical exercise. But, it is important to recognize that there are many different forms of exercise, including Yoga, hiking, walking, Zumba, etc. Find the type of exercise you enjoy and start from there.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is not only key to losing weight, but also to staying healthy—both inside and out. Water not only keeps the body energized, helping to remove toxins from the inside of the body, it also helps to keep your skin healthy and glowing.