Beginning Your Health Journey

Aside from New Year’s, summer is probably the only other time that people really focus on their health journey.

You know, #summerbody, am I right or am I right? I’m like you and have to start over from time to time on my health journey.

Pizza does win sometimes and I’m not afraid to admit that.

Anyway, no matter where you’re at with your wellness, here are seven things to focus on doing to stay on track during your own transformation!

TAKE IT ONE DAY AT A TIME.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your health, the middle of it or even starting over, take it all one day at a time. One work out at a time and one meal at a time. Baby steps, yo. Baby steps.

FOCUS ON HOW YOU FEEL, NOT THE NUMBERS ON THE SCALE. 

I can’t tell you how focused I was with numbers on the scale. It was frustrating to gain, lose, gain, lose, lose, gain. When I let go of the scale, it became much less stressful. I didn’t feel pressured like I did before and was able to enjoy the process of my transformation instead.

Numbers are important, but don’t focus on scale too much. Rather, pay attention to your energy levels, how you’re sleeping, etc.

GET A SUPPORT SYSTEM.

Whatever accountability means to you, a support system is important. A gym buddy, a group of friends to talk to or a community to encourage/support you that you can be a part of, immerse yourself into a system that fits your personality.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS.

Sometimes you may not feel like you’re making much progress, but I promise you that if you track your progress, you will see it. For me, I’m a visual learner so it’s natural for me to track my progress by taking pictures of my transformation. It feels good to see the pounds releasing from my body, but also muscles forming.

If you have an Analyzer personality, a Fitbit or an app like My Fitness Pal works great. Also, take note on how easier workouts are getting for you. That itself is great progress!

GIVE YOURSELF GRACE.

Like I talked about in a previous post, it’s so important to give yourself grace. Beating yourself up for eating a cookie or missing a workout is going to do nothing for your progress. Your body is listening, so saying things like, “I’m happy and full of energy today!” and “I’m making such great progress!” helps.

Think and say positive thoughts!

CELEBRATE THE LITTLE VICTORIES.

Remember when we were little, we used to celebrate everything as kids? We were happy when our parents let us go out and play, when we got a new toy, got some ice cream and hello, recess?!

After you finish a workout, celebrate! Do a little dance!  Treat yourself to something (not food).

TURN IT INTO A LIFESTYLE.

They say that after 21 days is when your actions turns into a habit. Whatever step you take for your health journey, do it for 21 days and you’d be surprised at how you automatically do things. You want to get to a point where it just feels normal to you and not forced.

Remember, it’s important to be good to yourself. Take care of the one place you have to live and don’t go a day without taking care of yourself in some sort of way!

Let me know if you’re beginning your health journey and what area you’re focusing on!

Please note that this content should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or disease and serves as informational purposes only. Always consult your professional healthcare provider before beginning any new program with any questions you may have.