Consistency is Key: Are you struggling to find it?

I don't know about you, but a lot of my childhood memories involve food, and last week's Thanksgiving celebration was no exception. I ate all the things. I'm talking cheesecake, pumpkin pie, gooseberry pie, pudding, oh my! And I didn't feel guilty about it. Not one bit. Want to know why?!? 

CONSISTENCY.

What does it mean to be consistent anyway? Is it getting up at the exact same time every day? Never missing a workout? Eating the exact same number of calories every day? 

How does one stick to a fitness and eating plan consistently anyway? 

The answer is different for everyone. You MUST create a plan that takes into account your personal likes and dislikes when it comes to both food and exercise if you want to be successful.

Here are 5 simple steps to help you strive for consistency in your eating and workouts.

Step 1: Be honest with yourself about your time

Take a moment and really think about your day. When is your day the most hectic? When you do you down time? When do you eat your meals - on the go? At your desk? What about your kids' activities? When do they take place? When are you the most tired? Have the most energy? 

By answering these questions, it will help you determine the best time of day to exercise and the types of meals you need to prepare to help you find success. If getting up early doesn't bother you, schedule your workout for the wee hours to knock it out. If you are always on the go, plan recipes that can be easily prepped ahead of time and grabbed while walking out the door. The key being to schedule these things like you would any other important appointment. Know when you are going to work out every day - even if it's at a different time on different days... know when you're going to meal plan and prep and put it in your calendar!!

Step 2: Determine what forms of food and exercise you like and don't like 

Our tastes definitely change over time. Things we didn't like as kids we can try as adults and discover we love them. So do some research. Do you really still hate broccoli? Give foods on your DO NOT EAT list another shot. Prepare them multiple ways. You may find if it's prepared a certain way, you love it! And truly take an inventory of what you are eating. Is your diet filled with fast food or processed food. Do a little "spring cleaning" if you will of your refrigerator, pantry and freezer. Focus on stocking them with lean meat, and fresh/frozen fruits and veggies.

The same goes for exercise. Maybe you only hate running because you were forced to do it in school. There are so many different forms of exercise that the opportunities are endless. Don't give up if you trying something and it isn't for you. The more things you try the more likely you are to find your soul mate workout!


Step 3: Find an accountability partner

Once you have determined your schedule, share it with someone you trust! Someone who is going to hold you accountable to it and check in on you daily/weekly/ etc. (whatever you have agreed to). This person has to be someone you can count on to be honest and push you to stick to your plan. Someone who is "too nice" and is going to let you slide isn't who you are looking for. This person can be a spouse, friend or even a colleague. But they will be putting in some effort, too, so respect their time and feedback. If you want them to be honest and help you, you must be honest with them as well.

Step 4: Be patient with yourself

Remember, you are human. You will slip up. You will get off track. You will want to give up. So don't strive to be perfect. Perfection doesn't exist in this world. Instead, strive to be better than you were the day before. Make one more healthy choice today than you did yesterday. Work out just a little harder than you did the day before. Making small changes every day will add up to big results. And once you see results, you won't want to stop.

Step 5: Don't be afraid to ask for 
help 

Your health and fitness is something you should take seriously. And making changes can be scary and overwhelming at times. Don't be afraid to ask for help. If there is someone in your life who seems to have it all together, ask them for some tips. If you follow someone on social media that you admire for their consistency, send them a DM. Most people, myself included, share their journey because they truly want help, inspire and motivate others to get healthy. So reach out. Ask your questions. It may just change your life.


Now back to what I was saying about my Thanksgiving indulgences. I didn't feel guilty treating myself because 

A) I didn't go completely off the deep end - enjoyed some great food but also worked out every day 

and 

B) I'm otherwise consistent with my eating and workouts, therefore a day of indulging isn't going to ruin  the hard work I've put in every other day. Remember, while you can't lose 20 pounds in a day, you can't gain 20 pounds in a day either ;)

Your challenge: Walk through these steps in the next week. Plan. Prep. Find your person. And roll into 2019 ready to take back your health. And remember - I'm here to help ❤️

Alicia


PS- I'd love to hear from you about your plan! And please teach out to me if you have questions!