by Lauren Hodges, Sunshima blog writer
So, now that you’ve built your foundation, it’s time to talk about the details. You know your general goals, you have a schedule, and your definition. Now let’s discuss the nitty gritty of fitness, nutrition, and mental health.
Throw out your “diet mind-set”
Right now, any thoughts that you are having about eating x-x-number of calories in a day, sugar-free, no carb, low fat, no salt…STOP. Throw them away. That mindset does not exist here, and it never will again! Let me be your friendly reminder that carbs are not the enemy, fat is not the enemy, there is no enemy! Food is your friend, not your foe. The diet industry feeds on your desire to lose weight, restrict calories, cut this, change that, but it is so unnecessary and equally as unhealthy. Your body needs everything that most people try to cut out. Don’t deny it the essential nutrients that it needs, just learn how to consume them better. For example, everybody loves spaghetti but it’s not the most nutritionally dense food you could choose. Try swapping out traditional spaghetti for pasta made from a protein -rich source like chickpeas, black beans, or red lentils! It tastes exactly the same (and that’s coming from an Italian!) but you’ll sneak in some protein!
Prepare, prepare, prepare!
The way you choose to eat is determined by that definition you set earlier, but something I highly recommend in the beginning is meal prepping some easy meals! Pasta salad, meatballs, tofu, etc. are great options. Have foods prepped that you could mix with a variety of different staples like rice, lentils, beans, etc. but also have an abundance of fruits and veggies on hand for snacking! If your meals and snacks are already prepped for easy access, you are much more likely to consume the “good for you” foods! Also, please, for me, prepare foods that you thoroughly enjoy! Don’t make chicken and brown rice if you don’t like chicken and brown rice. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not endured!
Try New Workouts
Something you need to keep in mind, especially if this is your first attempt at a healthier lifestyle is that you probably don’t know what you enjoy yet. Believe it or not, fitness is still meant to be enjoyed! Try new types of exercise, try multiple! I personally run best on lifting, yoga, and indoor cycling, but that may not be for everyone. Try Pilates, try running, try cycling, try hot yoga, etc. Try and try and try until you have nothing left to attempt and then decide what you want to stick with. It’s okay if what works for your friends doesn’t work for you. You want to be motivated by your workout routine, not resentful towards it!
Are nutrition and fitness important, yes. Is it the be all and end all of your healthy lifestyle journey, absolutely not. Having a level head about your goals and ignoring every diet commercial that comes your way are amazing first steps. Be patient with yourself and try new things! Don’t be scared to be the newbie in the gym (when gyms can open again that is), I promise nobody cares and nobody is judging you. If they’re looking at you it’s probably because they think you’re attractive, honestly so go with it! Let them look, you’re there for you! Prep your meals, simply and always have fresh food on hand, and this new lifestyle will quickly turn into your everyday way of life!