Let’s just put it right out on the table. Swimsuit season is upon us. Maybe not today, but in a few weeks all those pools will be opening and welcoming you to come for a dip. Are you ready to navigate those waters?
One can say that any body is a “bikini body” while in a bikini. That is a true statement. But are you willing to put on a bikini? Or willing to be in any swimsuit in front of anyone? Even yourself? I see a lot of people drastically changing their diets and exercise routine in April and May then go back to old habits after just a few weeks. Losing 10 pounds quickly sounds great but it doesn’t last. Replacing old habits with new, healthy habits is the way to go.
This article is about how to help you take control and maintain your health the entire season. Let’s dive in:
- Want to be healthy and want to change your current habits: If you don’t really want to sustain or improve your health then you won’t. It’s that simple. Having a good reason to maintain a healthy lifestyle ensures sustainable change. E.g. poor bloodwork results, tired of being tired all the time, wanting to play with grandkids, wanting to improve joint pain, manage diabetes, can’t fit into any clothing, want to maintain current good health, etc. Once you want it, making small changes to your current habits can be as easy as not purchasing hamburger buns and replacing them with extra lettuce and tomatoes. Small changes can be as easy as cutting up celery and carrots for the whole week as snacks. Grill or bake extra chicken to chop up for salads. Wash and cut lettuce when you get home from the store. Setting yourself up for success before your work week begins is the easiest way to stay on track.
- Prioritize your health: It’s so so easy to say “I don’t have time.” But take a look at all the things you are making time for that may not be benefitting your health. Like all that time on Facebook, time scrolling through Netflix show options, time spent deciding what you are going to do with your day, etc. When you stop to think about it, all that time adds up quickly. So maybe you do actually have time to cook a health-focused meal or get outside for a walk. Instead of saying “I don’t have time for my health” try replacing that statement with “I’m not making time for my health” and see how that feels. “I’m not prioritizing my health but I am making time for Facebook” doesn’t feel great, right? Turn that mindset around and schedule time for your health! You can do this!
- Make time for movement: There’s an idea out there called “exercise snacking.” This means that breaking up exercising throughout the day is just as beneficial as one big session. Have 10 to 15 minutes between meetings? Workout between each one. It’s just as good as hitting the gym for 45 minutes. Or set your alarm 10 minutes earlier than normal and do some pushups, jumping jacks, squats or stretching. Leave for work 10 minutes early and do some stairs or brisk walking laps around the building then take 10 minutes out of your lunch break to do more walking or bodyweight exercises. Do a mini workout while dinner is in the oven or while you are watching TV. There are opportunities for movement throughout the day.
- Enjoy the journey: Share your goals with friends. Tell people what you’re up to and why you don’t want to partake in the dessert buffet. You don’t have to make your health all you talk about, but if your friends and family know that you are taking care of yourself, they’ll eventually stop telling you to “take a bite it won’t kill you.” And if they see your success they just might join in. Plus, you can reward yourself each time you hit a goal. Rewards like new running shoes, a new pair of leggings, a trip to Whole Foods or Trader Joes, or hey, maybe a new swim suit!
All the small choices you make to better your health will add up to big results. Cannonballing into a completely new way of eating or exercise isn’t the way to go. Dip your toes in first. Make one or two small changes to your eating or exercise each week or every other week. You’ll get used to the new waters, and one day you’ll realize you aren’t even thinking about it – your healthy habits just become part of what you do. You only get one body in this lifetime, so taking care of it is imperative.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic pill and being healthy does take effort, but it doesn’t need to be hard. When you start feeling better, start visibly seeing changes and others start noticing, your confidence will build and you’ll feel great. So get to work, pull out that bathing suit and get it on your body!
Happy May, everyone!
Moxie Nutrition & Fitness 