Sometimes during peoples’ busy lives they suddenly have an epiphany. They ‘wake up’ and say, ‘Things need to change – I need to get my act together.’ Perhaps they have had one hangover too many, or their doctor has warned them they are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Whatever the reason, it’s the moment someone decides to ‘clean up their act’ and become the best version of themselves.
Often these times revolve around peoples’ body image. They may wish to lose weight, eat healthily, and take regular exercise. Sometimes the media distorts things by displaying unrealistic body images. Think of all those ‘stick thin’ models who are meant to have the ‘ultimate look.’ But how can we set realistic goals for ourselves and fully achieve them? Let’s find out now.
Receive Help And Advice
A person may decide to pay a personal trainer at the gym. They can advise on the most realistic goals, and set achievable timescales. Other people may join a slimming club. When people have a shared journey they can encourage one another, and celebrate each person’s successes.
The internet can also be helpful in this regard, by providing free advice. Workout HQ says anyone who decides to check out their website will realize that a key question is ‘what would it feel like to have an ideal body?’ A person would probably say it’s a life without constant aches and pains, and to not feel tired all the time. They may also see themself regularly working out, and excelling at running and lifting exercises.
Find Your Ideal BMI (Body Mass Index)
It shouldn’t simply be a matter of losing weight. Some people go on crash diets or become too thin for their size.
Our BMI will depend on a number of factors including our age, gender, height, and weight. Our waste sizes and lifestyles have to be included in the calculations too. When we know what is a healthy goal for us individually, we are ready to proceed.
Set Realistic Timescales
Once we know our desired weight, we need to write down what we want to weigh in a week, a month, three months, six months, a year, and five years.
Be flexible over this, too. If you don’t meet a target, don’t give up. Set a more realistic one and give yourself more time to achieve it.
Monitor Your Diet
Don’t plunge yourself into an intense keto diet or starve yourself with sugar overnight. Begin to calculate your sugar, fat, and salt intakes. Whilst healthy foods may cost more they will be worth it. Buy leaner meat and stay off processed meals that are full of sugar and fat.
If there are no candy or chocolate bars in the house they won’t be a temptation. Look for healthy snacks and meals that you can enjoy.
Create An Exercise Routine
Once again, don’t suddenly take lots of exercises or buy a gym membership that you won’t use. Think long term. Discuss your proposed diet and exercise with a doctor before you start. It’s better to begin gradually and slowly increase this than to go mad and stop weeks later.
In order to be doing this for the long haul, it’s essential that you choose something you enjoy. If you love nature, go for a brisk walk or a run in the park. If it’s socializing, join a tennis club or play in a football team. If you’re too busy to keep going to the gym, consider setting one up at home.
As regards goals, you could aim to do a half marathon or something shorter for charity. Allow yourself several months to slowly build up your stamina.
Tweak Your Lifestyle
Rather than giving up alcohol overnight, only drink a glass at the weekends if this is more achievable. Limit yourself to three coffees a day or less. Try and come off smoking.
Our sleep patterns can affect our well being too. We need between seven and eight hours a night. Try and stick to your bedtimes and waking times. Our bodies respond to routine, so try not to vary this by more than thirty minutes, including at weekends.
When a person knows the best goals to reach for, they should set realistic timescales. Other people can share the process and rejoice when you succeed. Anyone who experiences setbacks and disappointments should be patient with themself and keep going. We are all made differently and we are all valuable human beings. Let this be the year you feel and look better, and enjoy life to the full.