Starting a new year is an exciting time to start fresh and plan goals! But this time of year also brings the winter season - which can make sticking to your fitness goals more difficult.
The cold temperature, having to bundle up and practically zero sunshine makes the new year and winter season very demotivating. So I have put together 5 tips for you to help you get fit during 2018 and get you ready for your summer body.
Join a Gym
Joining a gym is truly empowering - when you take that first step towards fitness, you will feel like you are in control and taking charge of your health and body!
This should not be intimidating at all. You will make friends/acquaintances at the gym who enjoy the same interests and passions as you. I like to call the gym my second family, the women there truly inspire me :)
The beginning can be tough, but you will notice changes within your body that will motivate you to keep on pushing!
If the gym isn't for you... buy a resistance band and a couple of home weight sets. You can have an effective workout and get your body moving right from the comfort of your own home. But taking the first step of joining a gym and actually GOING consistently is one of the best feelings you can give yourself.
SET GOALS
Setting goals is KEY. Start with simple goals and then work your way up to the larger goals! For example, you could start with..
GOAL 1 - drink 3+L of water a day GOAL 2 - walk 15 minutes a day GOAL 3 - cook for yourself everyday GOAL 4 - get 8+ hours of sleep every night GOAL 5 - exercise 1 hour, 4-5 times a week
Write your goals down on a piece of paper and tape it to your wall or desk.
Seeing your goals directly in front of you will trigger sensors in your brain and nervous system to get them accomplished!
Supplement the Sunshine Vitamin
Practically every single North American is deficient in Vitamin D throughout the winter season. In North America we only get pure vitamin D sunshine for a few months out of the year, making it necessary to supplement vitamin D throughout the winter!
Vitamin D is such a important nutrient in the body. It regulates many functions from protecting your bones, acts as a precursor for hormones and prevents depression.
Supplementing vitamin D gives you that burst of sunshine you may need, making it so much easier to stick to and accomplish your fitness goals for the New Year!
Get new Workout Gear
Treat yourself to a new sports bra, pair of leggings or shorts. Buying a cute piece of gym wear will actually make you want to wear it and exercise. It could give you that extra burst of motivation you may need to star the New Year right!
Cook for Yourself
In Ayurvedic medicine the winter is when we should be eating warming foods (cooked, boiled, steamed etc.) The summer is the preferred time to eat cooler foods (raw, veggies, fruits).
It's a little hard to describe but when you eat for the season, your body just feels good!
Personally my winter meals look a little something like this:
a protein and steamed vegetables or soups, chilli's and crock pot dishes - which are all super easy to cook and will keep my body feeling warm, energized and strong!
...Rather than eating raw fruits and vegetables before I head outside in the cold.
You feel me?
We should all be cooking for ourselves everyday because you're nourishing your body with real foods!
Drink Herbal Tea
