Hey guys,
So I’m about 3 weeks into my health plan for 2016 and I thought it was time to a little update on where I am. I’ve definitely been feeling better and more energized since I’ve started exercising on a daily basis. But of course, there are the challenges of sticking to it, the pain of using muscles that have been inactive for so long, and of course the sacrifice of the daily treats. I thought I would do a post with my 5 of the top tips I’ve learned that have helped me (more or less) stick to my plan so far:
- Organisation is key
Let’s be honest – being organized all the time is hard. However for me, if I’m not organized with my food and if I don’t have food ready to go and eat – I more than likely will end up eating fast and bad-for-you food. I’ve gotten back into the habit of doing the Sunday grocery shop, prepping my lunches and buying ‘just in case’ healthy snacks. They are small steps towards being more healthy and organized with what I eat and so far so good!
2. Don’t be too hard on yourself
It’s impossible to be good all of the time (well for most people). So it’s important to not beat yourself up for allowing the odd treat. In the words of GiGi Hadid “Eat clean, stay fit, and have a burger to stay sane.”
3. Protein
Adding more protein to my diet has definitely helped me maintain my gym plans and it really does help fill you up too (less room for junk food).
I’ve been doing this in three ways:
- Adding a variety of meat (turkey, chicken, salmon, prawns, pork) to salads and to my dinners
- Trying out a variety of protein bars (my favourite so far is the Chocolate Brownie Quest bar)
- Taking a few pre workout snacks for the gym instead of sweets/chocolates
4. Get a Gym Buddy
I’ve definitely found this has helped me a lot. My friend and ex-workmate Dearbhla and I head to the gym together – and as we don’t work together anymore I look forward to our gym catch-ups. I feel guilty if she is going without me and vice versa. It’s nice to be able to encourage each other – and get an extra bit of core in too with all the laughing
5. Don’t Give Up!
As I said above, you have to allow yourself the odd treat, don’t let this dishearten you or think you’ve ‘broken your plan’:
“Your speed doesn’t matter, forward is forward”
The most important factor when trying to live a healthier lifestyle is to not give up on it. This time next year you’ll wish you stuck with it!
Anyway – that’s all for now,
Louise x
Outfit Details
Hat: Parfois
Sunglasses: Parfois
Top: Nike
Leggings: H&M
Runners: Nike
Photos by Eavan McLoughlin. Follow her page on Facebook here.