Hi everyone and a Happy New Year to you all!!
So here we are in early January and I expect many of you have already decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and lose the extra lbs that have crept on over Xmas.
The first thing that we must all remember is that it is perfectly normal to gain a pound or two over the festive period; even if we keep over-indulgence to a minimum.
From my experience in the gym this is the time of year when a lot of people decide to make the necessary changes to their lifestyle and it normally begins like this:
"I'm going to go the gym 5 times a week"
For
some people who have just lapsed over Xmas it is perfectly achievable to
visit the gym 5 times a week. But these are the members that follow a
structured work out split already and probably have a personal trainer
once or twice a week.
If
you are new to the gym, set yourself a realistic goal e.g. "I am going
to make sure I go to the gym at least twice a week". This will encourage
a sense of achievement and you will be much more likely to continue
working out regularly.
"I am going to eat 'clean' from now on"
It is a popular choice for many people nowadays to 'eat clean'. The first pitfall with this option is that it can be interpreted in many ways. More often than not it will mean the elimination of a certain food that may be considered 'unhealthy'. A popular choice would be to cut out caffeine, sugar, wheat, alcohol etc etc etc.
My advice would be to adopt a more flexible way of eating. Consume a diet at least 80% rich in whole foods and the remainder can be reserved for the odd treat that everyday life will inevitably throw at you. Everything in moderation is a more realistic goal.
"I will lose a stone before the end of January"
Unfortunately there is no quick fix for weight loss. In fact it has been proven that if you lose weight quickly, not only will you put it back on, you will gain more than you set out to lose in the first place!
In order to lose 1lb per week we need a deficit of 500 calories per day. This can be done in many different ways e.g. 250 calories worth of extra exercise a day and 250 calories less consumed to name one. Using this method will ensure permanent weight loss and your goals will be realised.
By taking these points into consideration you will ensure that 2016 becomes a very successful year as far as health and fitness is concerned.
I would like to wish you all the very best for the year ahead and if you need any advice or assistance just message me. I am here to help every one of you!
