We are in the home stretch of 2016. I think that the worst thing we can do is say, “well, I have about a week before I start my new diet, new gym membership, or new lifestyle for 2017.”
You have to be prepared mentally and physically to make a positive change in your life. If you haven’t prepared to truly adapt to a different lifestyle and way of thinking, then you may not stick to it.
Between now and the first of the year, you should start to gradually make positive changes for your fitness and health. Don’t use this last week as a free for all to binge on unhealthy foods or over compensate for cravings you may have after January 1st.
Here are some helpful tips:
-If you’re trying to eat healthier, start integrating healthier habits right now. For instance, make one healthy meal a day and if there are unhealthier meals you plan to eat, limit the portion size.
-Start substituting non-healthy food items you are eating with healthier alternatives. As an example, replace a candy bar with a protein bar, fruit or vegetable snack.
-If you’re going to work out more in 2017, start today by doing something physical. Even if it’s just cleaning the house, it still helps you ease into an active lifestyle.
-If you’re a morning person, then by all means exercise in the morning. Even if it’s a walk around the block in the morning, it will still help you stay active. If the weather conditions are too ominous, then stay indoors by walking at your local Mall with your spouse.
-If you have the option to workout at home, then take advantage of that. If you have a basement or a second level, try using those stairs for your workout. Go up and down a few times and you can even use the bottom step to get in a few push ups.
-In my house, if we are watching TV and a commercial comes on, everyone has to get up and move. We never sit and watch a whole hour show without getting up and doing something.
We only have a few days left in 2016. Let’s get ready for 2017 and hit the ground running.
This Week’s O’Nealism:
“Never let the past creep into the present and manipulate the future.”
Stay Healthy My Friends,
