As much as we want to believe that losing ten pounds in ten days is possible, the reality is that those pounds aren’t going to budge without some hard work and a plan. Fitness gurus have been telling us for years that extreme diets and fast-track fitness plans are nothing short of a fad. Still, thousands of people still jump onto the latest diet trend in hopes of shaving off extra pounds in a flash.
Not so fast, grasshopper.
Whether you’re hoping to compete in a marathon this year or want to get yourself in summer-ready shape, the ‘slow and steady’ mantra will probably get you further. The American Council on Exercise points out that strength training, interval training and cardio exercise are the most important elements of a get-in-shape routine. Create and follow a plan that works for you; for weeks, months and even years. You can start by breaking up your training into different types throughout the course of the week; focus on cardio one day and strength training the next to make the most of your workout.
Some other ways to take the slow and steady route:
1. Don’t do crash diets. Focus instead on leaning out your meals and cutting back on portions of foods you actually enjoy. This will take the pressure of eating ‘diet food’ off your shoulders, and will let you enjoy all foods in moderation.
2. Schedule your workouts. Get into the exercise habit by scheduling exercise into your appointment book or calendar. Sticking with your commitment is much easier when you make an appointment to just do it.
3. Clean up your eating habits. Eat more water-based and natural foods, increase your fiber intake and drink more water to keep your metabolism running at peak efficiency. Get into the habit of drinking more water by carrying around a sports bottle .
4. Be realistic. Don’t set unachievable goals that will leave you frustrated and less likely to stick with your plans. Focus on making small, healthy changes to your lifestyle instead.
5. Log your time. Keep track of your workouts by logging in hours or exercises into a journal or calendar.
