*This is the final blog post of a three-part series by guest blogger and YMCA staff member Robyn Trew. Read about her fitness journey and subsequent 115 lb weight loss here.
In January 2013 I decided to incorporate healthy food choices and regular exercise into my everyday life. It seemed tough at first, but it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, thanks to some important lessons I've learned along the way. Here are my top five tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
5. Take advantage of technology
Gone are the days of carrying around a food diary. Yes, there’s an app for that! I’m a big fan of health- and fitness-based technology and I’m a regular user of MyFitnessPal, FitBit and Pinterest. MyFitnessPal is a free web and app-based tool that tracks my food and exercise, helps me gauge where I should be (both daily and long-term), and connects me to a community of supporters. MyFitnessPal has opened my eyes around the importance of tracking what I'm eating – whether it’s good or bad, in a way that helps me more than pen and paper does. I also use a pedometer that syncs to MyFitnessPal, and Pinterest to look up motivational quotes and healthy recipes.
4. Get others involved
Make sure the people around you understand your commitment to health and fitness. For example, my coworkers know not to leave sweets and snacks lying around the office. You can also get your friends and family directly involved with your new lifestyle by encouraging them to adopt the same lifestyle and small healthy changes. Bring your friends on runs or to fitness classes, cook your family a yummy health-conscious meal, or get colleagues in the habit of taking the stairs in your office building instead of the elevator.
3. Make it easy
Make maintaining your new lifestyle a little easier by staying organized and prepared. Do your grocery shopping with a list of planned meals and snacks in your hand, keep your gym clothes by the front door, bring an extra pair of running shoes to your office for lunchtime walks, plan your workouts (write them down and stick to them!) and so on. Staying organized will not only save you time, it will keep you on track to achieving your health and fitness goals.
2. Be honest with yourself
Did your one cheat day extend to three? Did you promise yourself you'd work out this weekend, but you didn't? Take the time to own your missteps and move on. There's nothing wrong with making mistakes as you move along your health and fitness journey, as long as you're honest with yourself about those mistakes and learn from them. For instance, don't tell yourself you're going to work out on the weekend if you like relaxing on Saturday and Sunday -- why not work out on Thursday instead?
1. Don’t beat yourself up
Remember that health and fitness is all about balance. I don't eat healthy 100 per cent of the time or work out every day of the week -- if I did I'd be exhausted! Be conscious of when you need a break and schedule relaxation time. The occasional cheeseburger or cupcake won't undo all your hard work.
BONUS TIP: Reward yourself
Find what inspires and excites you (such as new shoes, a massage, or cool running gear) so you are further encouraged to workout. Rewards are important -- they keep you motivated to achieve your health and fitness goals (which, after all, are the ultimate reward).
Robyn's top 10 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle
In January 2013 I decided to incorporate healthy food choices and regular exercise into my everyday life. It seemed tough at first, but it was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be, thanks to some important lessons I've learned along the way. Here are my top five tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
5. Take advantage of technology
Gone are the days of carrying around a food diary. Yes, there’s an app for that! I’m a big fan of health- and fitness-based technology and I’m a regular user of MyFitnessPal, FitBit and Pinterest. MyFitnessPal is a free web and app-based tool that tracks my food and exercise, helps me gauge where I should be (both daily and long-term), and connects me to a community of supporters. MyFitnessPal has opened my eyes around the importance of tracking what I'm eating – whether it’s good or bad, in a way that helps me more than pen and paper does. I also use a pedometer that syncs to MyFitnessPal, and Pinterest to look up motivational quotes and healthy recipes.
4. Get others involved
Make sure the people around you understand your commitment to health and fitness. For example, my coworkers know not to leave sweets and snacks lying around the office. You can also get your friends and family directly involved with your new lifestyle by encouraging them to adopt the same lifestyle and small healthy changes. Bring your friends on runs or to fitness classes, cook your family a yummy health-conscious meal, or get colleagues in the habit of taking the stairs in your office building instead of the elevator.
3. Make it easy
Make maintaining your new lifestyle a little easier by staying organized and prepared. Do your grocery shopping with a list of planned meals and snacks in your hand, keep your gym clothes by the front door, bring an extra pair of running shoes to your office for lunchtime walks, plan your workouts (write them down and stick to them!) and so on. Staying organized will not only save you time, it will keep you on track to achieving your health and fitness goals.
2. Be honest with yourself
Did your one cheat day extend to three? Did you promise yourself you'd work out this weekend, but you didn't? Take the time to own your missteps and move on. There's nothing wrong with making mistakes as you move along your health and fitness journey, as long as you're honest with yourself about those mistakes and learn from them. For instance, don't tell yourself you're going to work out on the weekend if you like relaxing on Saturday and Sunday -- why not work out on Thursday instead?
1. Don’t beat yourself up
Remember that health and fitness is all about balance. I don't eat healthy 100 per cent of the time or work out every day of the week -- if I did I'd be exhausted! Be conscious of when you need a break and schedule relaxation time. The occasional cheeseburger or cupcake won't undo all your hard work.
BONUS TIP: Reward yourself
Find what inspires and excites you (such as new shoes, a massage, or cool running gear) so you are further encouraged to workout. Rewards are important -- they keep you motivated to achieve your health and fitness goals (which, after all, are the ultimate reward).
