Where to start?

Want to live a healthier life and achieve your fitness goals but don't know where to
start? Here are 6 steps we have created to help guide you.
Step 1: Establish Your Goals

Think of a Top 10 or Top 5 list of what you wish to accomplish. For fitness, maybe its to be able to do 30 push ups in a row, squat your body weight, or hold a 5 minute plank. Or maybe its to change your diet, do you want to add more protein? Cut out sugars? Whatever your goals may be, make a list that you can refer back to. This will be a great way to keep yourself motivated and on track to getting the body you desire. Aim for "Progress not Perfection."

Step 2: Determine Your Desired End Weight

If one of your goals is to lose weight, think of what a healthy weight would be for you to achieve. Research and consult a doctor to figure out what's best for you. Write down your desired end weight and keep track of your progress as you start the journey to achieving it. However, keep in mind that no results are immediate & your body does have its limits. Keep your goals realistic so they are easier to follow and
you don't become discouraged.

Step 3: Make A List Of Foods To Eliminate

Everyone has their own ideas of what is good and bad for them, but before you assume... do the research! Make sure your idea of a healthy diet is the right idea. To help guide you, make a list of the foods you currently eat. Cross of which ones are unhealthy that you can try eliminating. Remember, all changes take time to adjust to them. 

Step 4: Search For New Weekly Meals

After you have decided on which foods you wish to eliminate, look up new food items & recipes that can serve as a healthy replacement. There are hundreds of easy recipes you can follow. Many use ingredients you already have sitting in your pantry! You will be surprised at how substituting a few ingredients can change the whole recipe making it a healthier option for you.

Step 5: Create A Schedule

Once the hard part (all the research) is over, now comes the easy part. All that's left to do is create a schedule to follow! Consider your class schedule, work schedule, & social life. Try to find days where you have at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of down time. Set aside at least 2 to 3 of these days to workout. 3 out of the 7 days in a week isn't asking for too much of yourself and a minimum of 30 minutes each day is enough time to get a good workout in. Next, pick a day at either the beginning or end of your week to be your meal prep day. Having set days for each of your activities will eliminate the stress of trying to find the time. Making everything apart of your weekly schedule will help you stick to your routine & be successful. 

Step 6: Use An App Or Journal To Keep Track

With all of these new changes, it may be helpful to keep note of them all in one place. Try using a journal or an app on your phone. Some useful apps are:

• MyFitnessPal
• MyPlate Calorie Counter
• Calorie Counter & Food Diary by MyNetDiary
• Lifesum: Diet & Health Tracker