Fitness and Diet Resolutions for the New Year!

[Nicole]

Seemingly, every year I make a long list of New Year's resolutions, and then I don't keep them, or I sort of taper off as soon as the initial enthusiasm wears off. This year, I decided to keep it simple. The best place to start off is with an exercise program. I really enjoy the P90x workout program, and have seen the most dramatic results from P90x than with any other workout that I have tried. It does, however, take a big commitment, in terms of time and energy! Of course, if it didn't, then I guess the results would not be so amazing. If it was "easy", they wouldn't call it a "work"out! So, how do you plan your exercise program so that you can be successful and stick with it?

First, you need to figure out your energy levels. When do you typically have the most energy throughout the day? If you are generally feeling fatigued at 3pm, then scheduling your workout at this time isn't going to work out. If you feel exhausted after coming home from work because there are so many other things to tend to... like preparing dinner, helping the kids with their homework, etc.. then that isn't going to work either. I find that I have the most energy in the morning, but adding an hour+ workout to my morning routine would involve me getting up much earlier!

Secondly, it's a good idea to have everything prepared in advance so that you don't fall behind in your schedule. Spend a little time over the weekend preparing for the week ahead. I'm a true believer that if you don't manage your time, your time will manage you. Think about your meals for the week and write down a menu which includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner for the week. It's important to make sure you have lots of healthy choices at home and healthy snacks too! Try to prepare lunches the night before so it's one less thing you have to do in the morning. Whether it's leftovers from the night before over a chopped salad or a tuna salad wrap, try to prepare as much as you can ahead of time.

Thirdly, make sure you have everything set up for your workout. If you are heading out to the gym, make sure you have your bag packed and clothes ready the night before. If you're working out at home, have your dvd loaded, weights, bands, towel, and workout clothes all ready to go so that all you need to do is grab your water bottle!

Lastly, I can't say enough about meal planning. Try to knock this out over the weekend so it's not an excuse to grab a quick unhealthy meal. I know if I'm eating right, I am more likely to stick with my exercise program and vice versa! My fitness and diet resolutions for the New Year are to make sure that I manage my time better and set myself up for success!