How to Begin Your Diet

How many times have you said to yourself "I'll start tomorrow" or "this is the last one" or "just one more,Here are a few quick tips to help you get started, stay motivated and keep on track... for life.

* You’ll Need

Will Power
Support
Motivation
Desire for Change
Optional: Computer, notebook, gym membership or home fitness equipment and a grocery list

step1:

Figure out your goals:

Whether you want to feel healthier, look better, lose weight, gain muscle or any other goal you may have- figure out what is important to you and either write it down or type it in a blog or online journal.

step2:

Gradual Change:

It is hard to give up everything we love on a set date, so take baby steps. Try giving up one bad thing each week, and replacing it with one good thing. Instead of grabbing a cheeseburger every day, try every other day, and try replacing them with healthy alternatives. Or if you do have that snickers bar, make sure to stay at the gym a little longer that day. You don't have to completely give up the foods you love to get healthy.

Step3:

Moderation is Key:

Remember to check out your portion sizes. You'll find that all too often you keep eating when you're full because it tastes soooo good! Just remember, you can still enjoy the tastes, but try to understand your body and know when it says it is full. Restaurants serve portions that are WAY larger than they should be- so cut your food in half before you start, and ask for a to-go box so you're not tempted for that "one last bite."

step4:

Fitness is Important:

It is SO hard to go to the gym or work out after a long day at work, but remember just 30 minutes a day can help heart health, overall fitness, how you fit into clothes, how others perceive you and how you feel about yourself. Start off easy- break up your 30 minutes throughout the day- this is as easy as parking further away from the store, walking around your building when on break, or standing in your living room doing lunges and situps. You don't have to pay for an expensive membership to get fit.

step5:

Seek Support:

Talk to your friends and family or even co-workers and let them know you need the support- you'll be surprised when they ask you if they can join in! Fitness and healthy lifestyle are not just fads that are here today-gone tomorrow... they are lifetime commitments that everybody needs to understand and try for themselves.