How many times have you made a New Year’s resolution that involves your health? We’re betting quite a few. Now, think about how many times you actually followed through on that New Year’s resolution. Like most of us, that number is probably pretty low. This year, let’s follow through with it together. We want to hear your success stories! In this article, we will give you 8 great tips you can use to make sure your resolution is successful.
- Log Your Food: The MYFITNESS PAL smartphone app will get you started on the right track! It's extremely important to log your food before attempting any change. You must be aware of what and how much you eat first in order to see where you can make appropriate lifestyle changes. This first step will help tremendously as you work toward appearance or health goals. Once you know what you are eating, then you can start to make some decisions about what to change and how long it will take to change it. Start off small and work your way up to it. Don't try to do it all at once or go on a diet. Those never work. Just make small incremental changes and watch the results. Those pressed with time can still choose healthy options through meal replacements such as protein bars.
- Motivate Yourself: We all know that motivation is key for success in anything. Your New Year’s resolution is no different! One of the best motivators is to partner with a friend or family member. As they say, there’s strength in numbers.
“When your spirit - or willpower - flags, having people to call on can provide the support you need to continue.” - Web MD
- Pay For a Gym Membership: The holidays often mean your local gym will be running deals and even free trials. Deals are great, but you should avoid free trial periods. Instead of just signing up for the free trial, ask to extend it with a paid membership. Think of it this way - if you’re not invested, you’re less likely to follow through. That small monthly fee gets you invested in your success!
- Eat Fresh: We’ve all stood in front of the notorious protein bar shelf wondering what to buy only to get home and discover we made the wrong choice. Whether you’re choosing something because of a brand name or anticipated prep time, make sure it’s fresh. One of the most unique benefits of our protein bars* is the fact that they are perishable. For those of you who buy in bulk, just pop ‘em in the freezer until you’re ready to eat them!
- Say No To Fructose: When fructose is ingested through soft drinks or other processed foods, there is no fiber to slow the absorption of the fructose and few antioxidants to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of a high fructose intake on blood sugar or tissues. This leads to an excess of ‘empty calories’ that can really add up. One reader of ours did this and lost 55lbs!
- Go Raw: We’re not talking about sushi here folks. Whey and soy proteins are common in bars, shakes and many other ‘diet’ foods, but just because there’s an amount listed on the package doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Protein can lose a significant amount of nutritional value when heated. Most protein bars with a long shelf life and those which contain oats are heated. This means that the 20 grams you thought you were getting is really as low as 10. Raw foods are those that have not been heated above 118 degrees. Raw organic foods are higher quality, therefore you eat less to feel satiated and need less to satisfy your nutritional needs.
- Lose the Sports Drinks: Sports drinks spike insulin production and prevent body from using fat cells for energy. Insulin is like a gatekeeper for muscle cells brain cells, heart cells, fat cells and keeps the blood stream clear of glucose to regulate blood sugar and energy properly. When too much glucose exists in the bloodstream, insulin is released to use it up, but once the other cells are fed, the rest goes to FAT cells.
- Always Read The Label: Reading the label reveals ingredients that have no nutritional value. These are often the long unfamiliar words that you can’t pronounce. Food Intolerance Network provides an excellent list of the most common additives to avoid.
As the holiday season winds down, set SMART** goals for yourself and make those resolutions a reality! Use the tips we’ve provided to get going on the right track in 2013. Don’t forget, we’re doing this together! Share your resolutions in the comments section and keep us posted on your success on Twitter, Facebook or e-mail Steve directly.
Stay tuned for our next post where we'll outline tips to maximize your weight loss! Coming January 2013...
*Our products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
** SMART goals are those which are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timed.
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