Summer Bodies Are Made In The Winter
Usually, when the weather starts to warm up, we start thinking about summertime. Clothes tend to be more revealing, and we spend more time at the beach, lake, or pool in swimwear. There aren’t too many women I know or can think of, that don’t feel some level of anxiety at that thought. I believe that everyone deserves to feel comfortable in their body, and for some, that may mean trimming down or working on their fitness. When it comes to losing weight for summer, one of the biggest mistakes is waiting until the beginning of summer to start.
The reality is that summer bodies are made in the winter, and healthy bodies are made through consistency.
Summer Bodies Are Made In The Winter
Consistency Is Key
Losing weight in a healthy manner takes time, and so does building muscle. That’s why crazy crash diets fail, and new super-intense workout routines will probably lead to burnout. But making small changes and forming new healthy habits can lead to slow and steady progress that will help you reach your goals. That’s why daily movement is one of my daily non-negotiables. The key is to be consistent and patient with yourself, especially if the goal is long-term fitness and weight loss.
Establish A Routine
With the days colder and shorter, it can be hard to stay motivated to go out and exercise. Especially if you train outdoors. The time of day you work out doesn’t really matter. What’s important is finding a time of day to fit an exercise routine into your schedule. If you can be consistent with that, it will make all the difference. Randomly deciding to workout 2-3 times a month really isn’t going to do much of anything when it comes to achieving fitness goals.
Have A Plan B
Sometimes, no matter how much planning and scheduling we do, life has other plans for us. For those days, it’s good to have a plan b figured out so you don’t have to skip your workout altogether. Investing in some dumbells, a yoga mat, and a jump rope can allow you to have a great workout in a minimal amount of space.
Make It Fun
Finding a workout you really enjoy doing will make sticking to your routine so much easier. Dance classes, group fitness, or budding up with friends are all fun options. Having a workout partner also adds an extra layer of motivation and accountability. Not to mention the encouragement you can offer each other on days you’re sluggish. If you can find something that you look forward to doing or a person you want to spend time with, exercise won’t feel like a chore to avoid.
You Can’t Out-Exercise A Bad Diet
A very sad truth is that it’s so much easier to consume calories than it is to burn them off. You can easily undo an amazing workout in minutes with a couple of candy bars. Putting in some time each day or week to plan out your meals can help you avoid grabbing whatever’s quickest and easiest when you get hungry. Keep your refrigerator and cabinets stocked with healthy options. As well, leave fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. That way, you can easily grab a healthy snack. Read The 13 Surprising Grocery Shopping Hacks of Healthy Women before your next grocery run. And lastly, don’t underestimate how quickly liquid calories can add up. If drinking plain water is a struggle for you, add fresh lemon, lime, mint, or orange slices to spruce it up.
A food journal isn’t very fun, but it is very useful when it comes down to keeping track of what you eat every day. You’ll be able to get a clear picture of where adjustments and improvements can be made. I do believe that it’s important to have treats sometimes. There’s no reason to deny yourself and will most likely do more harm than good in the long run. If you have a day that you do overindulge, don’t beat yourself up over it; it happens to us all at various points. Just try and get back to your healthy routine as soon as possible.
Reward Your Milestones
I’m a big believer in celebrating all of your wins, both big and small. Acknowledging your milestones and accomplishments helps motivate you to keep going and gives you a sense of pride in your hard work. A new pair of running shoes or a cute new workout outfit are rewards that will have you excited to go exercise again. A massage or spa day are both nice ways to relax and celebrate all your hard work!
Remember that summer bodies are made in the winter, and everytime you cross another milestone, you’re one step closer to reaching your goals!
Xx Monti
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