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Fitness is such a personal thing.
When my friends and I get together over a glass a wine you can definitely bet that we’re chatting about our need to lose or gain x amount of pounds, how successful or unsuccessful we’ve been with healthy eating this week, and the latest celebrity deemed #goals.
While I indulge in the conversation, I’ve learned over time that fitness is so much more than appearance. It’s about how you feel! It’s about choosing to fit in workouts, to demolish a couple of cupcakes, to learn that muscle weighs more than fat and you really are losing weight despite what the scale says, and remember that you will always be improving —it’s a journey!
Trust me, this attitude did not come over night. I have tried every diet, binged, restricted, and everything in between. So here are a few tips that have helped me to embrace my fitness journey:
1. Finding a sustainable way to eat
I chose vegetarianism six years ago. You might be all about some Paleo, a keto fanatic, vegan, or a meat and potatoes aficionado. Try a few different ways of eating, listen to your body, and do what works for you.
2. Researching recipes
Recipe hunting has become another hobby of mine. I recently picked up Oh She Glows Every Day and Salad Samurai, joined a few Facebook groups, and created a Pinterest board to start curating my recipe collection. You wouldn’t believe the messes and Pinterest fails it’s taken me to narrow down a few standby recipes. I highly suggest you start experimenting too!
3. Choosing workouts that are fun and don’t feel like punishment
This is so important. I used to pick the most intense workouts I could find as a way to punish myself for eating pizza or just because I have a curvy shape. Don’t take that route! Find some workouts that challenge and excite you — workouts that you actually look forward to doing and you’ll be more likely to stick with them. Some of my favorites are CycleBar Germantown, Cardio Barre Memphis, and Club Pilates East Memphis.
4. Getting some PREP in my step
I have learned the value of meal prepping, packing healthy snacks, and doing your research ahead of time to know what you can grab on the go that works for your current eating plan. I learned that value after realizing just how tempted I am to just pick up some fries from the nearest drive-thru when I haven’t prepared for my typically very long days. Some of my favorite snacks to bring with me are apples, larabars, and SkinnyPop sea salt mini cakes!
// PIN ME FOR LATER! //
5. Finding my tribe
I’ll admit that this one is still a work in progress. It’s been really difficult to find a local group that I feel comfortable joining to share my fumbles and triumphs. Still, I have found some really awesome people on Instagram who inspire me and am checking out some Facebook groups. I’ll keep you guys posted. Also, holler at me if you’re in the tri-state area and looking for a fitness buddy!
Bonus: Allow yourself some grace!
I know I said five tips but I thought it was important to throw this one in the mix. Show yourself some grace! Speak to yourself the way you would your BFF. Remember that one meal outside of your healthy eating plan does not derail your entire process. Remember that you are one more workout from reaching another goal. Remember that you can do it!
I write this as much for myself as for you. I lost 30+ pounds five years ago and have since gained it all back with some change. I have to remind myself to show myself some grace and to keep working towards my goals.
What are your fitness goals? Let me know how you’re working towards them!
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This is great! I’m glad that ‘finding a sustainable way to eat’ is right at the top. There’s no point sweating buckets in the gym to go home and grab a KFC family bucket!
And although a kale smoothie might sound like all goodness and nutrition, if you can’t keep up with the green smoothie movement, then it’s much better to find healthy foods that you LIKE to eat.
Kinda like your point on choosing an exercise routine that you enjoy and doesn’t feel like punishment. I think this nugget of wisdom applies to food too!
Thanks for sharing!
I need to get better about meal planning so that I can have healthy meals throughout the day.
It’s definitely a task! The thing that helped me most was to ease into it.
I started first with breakfast and snacks then slowly started prepping lunch and dinner too.
Thanks for reading!
These are really great tips. I really need to do more prep, I am so bad about it.
I was supposed to work out today but unfortunately laziness crept in I will have to be more strict with myself.
Today’s a new day! You’ve got this.
Fitness should be all about fun and I love your suggestion of finding something you enjoy. When done with an accountability partner, it makes the fitness journey so much more worthwhile. Great tips and wishing you a fit and healthy 2019.
Absolutely! I’m still trying to find one myself. I know it will help take my fitness to the next level.
This is such a great and positive post! I really feel I have found the workouts and routines I’m happy with, but I want to eat even better – now is the time to try. Thanks for sharing!