We hear it year after year – “The first of January I will change my diet, start exercising, and live a healthier lifestyle.” But we all know how quickly those words turn into fluff and ends in another year of disappointment.
I am 100% guilty of not following through with my New Year’s Resolutions, but I have found a few tricks to help me stick with my goals that I feel are more obtainable. This year, I am determined to get into the best shape I’ve ever been, and this is partly inspired by a family vacation I have planned for June.
Here are some simple tricks that I have found help me stick with my health goals:
The Buddy System
Something that works for me when it comes to working out is the buddy system. I really enjoy workout classes that are upbeat and “dancy”, and one of my favorite things is attending those classes with friends. Having a buddy to make sure you’re attending the classes is such a great way to force you to go when you’re feeling lazy. You can also check around for workout studios where the instructors act as your buddy to hold you accountable for showing up.
Affordable Fitness and Health Products
We often see our favorite fitness icons talking about the latest and greatest health products, but a lot of times they aren’t available at the stores you shop at frequently, and also aren’t very affordable. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I hunt around for the best prices, and I have found that Walmart has really great prices on some of my favorite health and fitness products.
If you are looking for great fitness equipment that you can use at home, Gold’s Gym has many affordable options at Walmart. Their products are easy-to-use, premium fitness equipment that you can use at home or take with you to the gym. With products like a door gym, foam roller, dumbbells, and a cycle trainer, you can achieve the results you would see from a gym membership but from the comfort of your own home.
If you are looking to boost your weight loss, Hydroxycut Pro Clinical Gummies might be a good option for you. They can help you lose more weight than diet and exercise alone, and might be able to help get you over any weight plateaus you might be stuck at. Walmart has them for less than $20/bottle and they also contain vitamin B and come in several fun flavors.
Healthy Recipes and Meal Prep
Meal prep is a common method used by people in the health and fitness world. I have heard that the body does good when you are eating the same food consistently. Plus, by prepping your meals ahead of time, you’re able to measure out your portions and accurately measure your calories.
Finding some staple recipes that are healthy and delicious are also very important when planning your meals (no one wants to eat what they don’t like). Try focusing on eating whole meals with less sugars, processed foods, and dairy (be sure to consult your health care professional before changing your diet). Pinterest has some great healthy recipes that you can easily save and try out when you’re ready for something new, too.
If you feel like you’re starving after a workout, consider making a protein shake with MaraNatha Almond Butter. I am currently using the chocolate protein powder from Six Star and the combination of almond butter and chocolate flavor tastes like a dessert. Six Star Protein Powder helps add protein to your diet which can help fuel your workout or aid in muscle recovery.
Setting Date Goals
Another great way to maintain your health and fitness resolutions is to have an end date in mind where you want to measure your results. From there you can continue to make new goals for the future or choose to take a break before starting back on your health and fitness journey.
As I mentioned above, my upcoming vacation is my goal date. Starting at the first of the year, I’m going to add my workout dates to a calendar, with an adequate amount of rest days included. I’m all about setting goals, but they must be practical and obtainable. I know that working out 7 days a week is not practical for my lifestyle, and I also know that I can’t and won’t eat super clean and healthy on all of those days. By allowing myself rest days and “cheat days” with meals, I know that I too can reach my goals.
*In collaboration with Walmart. All opinions are honest and my own.
