Getting healthy in 2013

Is your New Year’s resolution to get healthy? Maybe work out more? To get your fine self ready for the beach? Do you think it will happen?  Not trying to be discouraging at all.  I definitely think people need to work out more.  However, January and February at the gym are always so busy.  And everyone knows that it won’t be like that for long.  People do get discouraged.  I get discouraged.  So, Instead of trying to strictly lose those extra Christmas cookie pounds, I am going to get healthy…mind, body and soul.

I’ve gone through many stages of working out all the time and then working out almost never.  And I have discovered that when I go to the gym to simply try to look skinnier, I don’t get results I want and as fast as I want.  Then I quit.  I’m totally setting myself up to fail.  I have been in grad school for a year and it has been my go-to excuse for me not to go to the gym.  This year, I will be 27 years old (EEEK!).  I’m not getting any younger, people!

So, I am getting healthy in 2013!

Let’s get physical.  Obviously, working out has to happen.  That’s old news.  The trick is what you do.  Most people can’t just go run or walk on the “dreadmill” and watch the fat melt off.   I WISH it was that easy.  You have to find things that are fun.  I like going to the classes at my gym.  They have Step Aerobics, Zumba, Yoga and Dance Feevha.  If I make my workout different and fun every time, there is no question that I’ll look forward to working out everyday.  I also go on the “dreadmill,” the exercise bike and the eliptical.  The point is, you have to get your heart rate up.  Working out isn’t just to lose weight.  It’s to get in shape and feel good about yourself…and a killer bod is a nice perk :).  It’s also proven you sleep better after getting into a regular workout schedule.

My nemesis.  FOOD.  I love food SO much.  The first important part in portion.  Portion control is so important.  I definitely have a problem with portion control.  I eat until I’m stuffed. No bueno!  And then it’s important WHAT you eat.  I mean I love…pizza, Mexican food, pasta, bread and DESSERT!!!  But you can’t always eat whatever you want.  My thinking is, If I eat really well and work out, I can splurge a little bit once in a while.  And that’s good because there is no way I can give that stuff up.  That’s probably the reason why I was never good at giving up stuff for Lent.  I usually give up something I could live without like…celery.  Again, no bueno. I bought this thing called Stayfit.  It’s super easy to transport salads, veggies or fruit.  It’s a good sized container that has a little cup attached for salad dressing.  That way, I don’t have to search for 20 minutes for a Tupperware container and matching lid.  Another good idea is to purchase your food for the week on Sunday.  If you plan your meals for the entire week, it’s easier to stick to and not venture off finding yourself in the McDonald’s drive thru.

Meditation is always a helpful way to get my mind on track OR to wind down from a stressful day.  Sometimes I just need to sit, close my eyes, and clear my mind.  Listening to music helps, as well.

Sleep.  I cannot stress enough how important a good night’s sleep is.  Being in college, I know a good night’s sleep can be few and far between.  I can never function on lack of sleep.  I don’t know what it is but if I have less than seven hours, I am a total zombie. And I always sleep better when I take a shower right before bed.

Vitamins.  Take them every day!

I’m going to try to read more books for fun.  I only read for entertainment during the summer and during winter break.  I’m going to try to work on that.

Good luck on your adventures this year! I will check back with how I’m doing on mine. :)