- Find an exercise buddy or partner. Having accountability to someone else, even if it’s your dog, keeps you honest. It’s much easier to say no to yourself than to someone else.
- Schedule your workouts. Keep a calendar that lists specific times for your workouts. If you set these times like you would an appointment, you won’t have the excuse of running out of time.
- Weigh yourself daily. This is one of the best tools to see if you’re slipping up. Weighing yourself daily can keep you on track so that you don’t let 300 extra calories a day or one missed workout set you back.
- Don’t do too much, too fast. Don’t get over-motivated. Lifting weights that are too heavy or starting out with six days a week of aerobic exercise is a mistake. Be realistic with your schedule; and don’t set yourself up for an injury that will keep you from your workouts.
- Log your steps. Logging the time that you work out will help you achieve your weekly goal, even if you get off track one day. This will also inspire you at the end of the week, when you can look back and see what you’ve accomplished.
- Cook more often. Portions, and calories, are out of control when you eat out. You’ll almost always consume fewer calories in a meal cooked and eaten at home. Save restaurants for special occasions, and get together with friends for a walk or a cup of coffee instead of a meal.
- Don’t turn water into wine. Not only does a glass of wine or beer add a couple hundred extra calories, after a few glasses, you’re not as conscious of consuming more calories in your meal. You don’t have to give up drinking, but do cut back.
- Beware. When you walk past the hors d’oeuvres at a party and grab some cheese and crackers, you quickly consume 300 calories before dinner even starts.
By: Janet Hunt
Janet Hunt is a Certified Personal Trainer and can be reached at 256-614-3530 to schedule an appointment.
