The time of the year where people filled their bellies with drinks, sweets, and buttery-yummy goodness is officially over. I don’t know about you, but I indulged in cakes, pies, fried goods and rich meats wrapped in other savory flavors for longer than I care to admit. I gave in more often than not because it was sitting in front of me at every party, gathering or event to celebrate the holidays.
While everything is yummy in moderation, I got swept up in the season. Between Thanksgiving, birthday festivities, Christmas and holiday parties galore- the pounds got packed on pretty quick. If you follow me on social media, you see me talk about “workout chronicles” in my IG stories. While I didn’t completely lapse in my workout regimen, you can’t out exercise a bad diet.
So, like the majority of America- I am starting a new fitness challenge. I succumbed to social media influence but thankfully, it’s for the better. I joined the FASTer Way to Weight Loss program ran by Amanda Tress. It involves intermittent fasting and nutrition guidance combined with fitness instructions. I love following @seersuckerandsaddles and was inspired by her journey. Also, the tools from the program are tools I was already using- just incorrectly. Therefore, to sustain a healthy lifestyle and view of food, I’ve joined this program so I can have real workout chronicles and stop the yo-yo demon that has infiltrated the last three years of my life (which note: that is when I bought a house and moved to the ‘burbs).
I actually enjoy working out, especially when I am seeing results, but I hate weighing myself and refuse to do so unless absolutely required. The FASTer Way to Weight Loss program focuses on how you feel and look vs. what the scale says so it’s right up my alley. I also want to know how nutrition impacts my workouts and vice versa. I contemplated getting a trainer but I knew food was my biggest downfall.
I know there are a lot of programs out there. This one seems right for me, but I’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress.
For now, I have researched some practical, healthy tips and tricks to start your new year off right, no matter your fitness goals:
- Focus on Consistency – starting a workout plan seems all fine and dandy in January but when February rolls around, old habits come back up and your new goals fall by the wayside. Instead of trying to do everything right away, set smaller goals that you can maintain then increase from there. If you don’t work out at all, jumping to 5 days a week may be unrealistic. Start with 3 days/week to create a routine and increase your days from there. That way, it works within your schedule and feels sustainable long-term.
- Stay Active Whenever Possible – staying active doesn’t always mean getting into a gym. While shopping isn’t true cardio, walking around a mall for three hours still beats sitting on the couch. You can also take the stairs instead of riding the elevator or park farther away from the door (your car doors will thank you too.). Have some fun by tracking your steps through FitBit or a pedometer. Any movement is better than no movement.
- Wear Your Workout Gear Everywhere – stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. If you run your errands in workout clothes, you have no reason not to go to the gym. Or, if you clean the house, why not do it in clothes that can easily translate to a brisk walk outside or some squats and sit-ups in your front room?
- I’m rocking Athleta these days (see photo up top), but I also enjoy Old Navy Active Wear because of the cheaper price point. You can also find some good deals on Nike and Adidas sportswear at Macy’s or Nordstrom Rack, especially in the new year. Don’t be afraid to scour the sales racks for a good deal.
- New workout clothes motivate me to get in the gym. Also, I’ll buy a couple of aspirational pieces (i.e. cropped top) that I want to wear. I get motivation and determination to wear them which makes me stick to my gym visits and healthy meals.
- If you’re in the market for new workout gear, click on these links for additional options: GapFit, Fabletics, or Target has a line with various silhouettes.
- Track Your Meals – while eating salads every day may be completely unrealistic, having daily caloric goals or limits is not. There are so many apps that can track every meal you eat. I use My Fitness Pal so I also have an understanding of macros. You’ll also be able to see what is consuming the majority of the food you eat. Are you carb heavy every day? Are you snacking on too much sugar? Tracking your food reveals what you are putting in your body and is another level of accountability to keep you on track.
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Don’t Buy the Bad-for-You Foods – if you don’t buy it, it’s not in your house. If it’s not in your house, you can’t eat it. If you must have a treat, buy one. Yes, it costs more but you won’t be tempted to eat the others just because they’re there. I cleaned out my pantry/fridge to ensure only the right items are available to consume. When I’m craving a treat (which I’m allowed to have once a week with this new program), I have it. Depriving myself only makes it worse but indulging all the time puts me in the boat I’m in now.
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Experiment – I’m not a meal prep kind of gal. I like variety in my meals way too much to fix the same thing and eat it for five days straight. Nah, fam. I might make some chicken but end up wanting shrimp. Therefore, I keep multiple options on hand and look through Pinterest often to find new recipes. Feel free to follow my recipe board if you need some inspiration!
Are you ready to get fit this year? Are you trying to have a worthy workout chronicle story to tell? Leave a comment below and let me know what your fitness commitments are this month and feel free to tag me in your #workoutchronicles stories on social media!
