When just starting, the process of losing weight can be overwhelming. Committing to lose weight is a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Cupture's tumblers are specifically designed to help our customers live on the go and that's what a healthy lifestyle is all about. Always on the go; mind, body, and soul constantly working together to keep pushing yourself to be the best you can be. Now that you got the gear to train like a champ here is some advice to keep you pushing through the rough patches.
1. Get into a routine
This is a staple of healthy living. Time management is especially important for people trying to lose weight who have other full-time obligations. By the time you get off of work and make dinner finding the motivation to exercise is close to non-existent; we feel you. Here are some activities to schedule and how to start making time for them.
Work Outs
Figure out where you have the most time to spare. Are you a morning person or a night person? If the thought of waking up early to workout is repulsive don't pencil it in cause it ain't gonna happen. Even if you can only find 30 minutes a day, three times a week, that is a start. Put in your schedule!
Eating
What are your eating habits? Do you like to graze throughout the day or do you prefer the traditional three meal a day diet? Also, try to stop eating out. Not only is time wasted traveling but its extra money also being spent on gas and inflated food prices.
Sleeping
This is big. Read any article about the habits of successful people and you'll see that they keep a consistent sleep schedule. This might be impossible for you (newborn, inconsistent work schedule, etc) but still try! If you know some days you'll be getting less sleep try to fit in a nap somewhere. Also waking up right before you work (giving yourself less time to get ready) is horrible for your brain. The stress actually ends up tiring you out and will make you more prone to stress throughout the day.
Leisure Time
It might seem counter-intuitive but you'd be surprised how much time we waste by not accounting for our free time. For example, don't feel obligated to get through your Netflix Que in one night. If you go out a lot after work with friends try to cut it down to a couple times a week. Time will start to thin when you're trying to stick to a routine. Evaluate how you spend your time and sacrifice the stuff that isn't helping you become a better person. It will center you and make more room for not just working out but also sleep, eating, and you time!
Cooking / Meal Prepping
Not eating out means more time in the kitchen but think of it as a chance to be creative (more on this later). If you have more time in the evening, meal prep then so you don't have to do anything in the morning except remember to take it out of the fridge. Likewise, if you have more time in the morning, meal prep then. Try to set a day of the week aside to go to the grocery store. This way you not only build a consistent schedule but you also won't run out of food and have to eat out.
2. Clean eating
Don't like fruits and veggies? Get a bland taste in your mouth when you think of 'eating healthy'? We're 99% sure a proper introduction has yet to be made. Sure steamed broccoli sounds boring but how about sauteed broccoli in a signature sauce on a bed of brown rice infused with corn and cilantro? Yeah, our mouth is watering too. Not good at cooking? No problem, that's what the internet is for. From boiling water to baking a chocolate German cake you'll be able to find a tutorial. Sound like a lot of work? Think of it this way, when you heat up your lunch the next day at work and your co-workers are eating their fast-food with their heads down you will be consuming a yummy, healthy, and less expensive meal. Not that being healthy should be a competition but the recognition doesn't hurt. Not to mention you'll have less calories to burn and more energy to expend.
3. Drink a lot of water
Drinking water naturally helps your body lose weight. You'll see major changes if you use it to replace soda and any other sugary drinks. Water helps flush out our systems. Our bodies retain less salt which means less uncomfortable bloatedness.
4. Be Realistic & Pace Yourself
Many people want to see quick results and it makes sense. When you just start off you're putting in 300% more effort so you'd like to see your body work for you like your working for it. Unfortunately, that's not how works. This is why people get discouraged. Another thing to remember is to start slow. If you don't start with workouts that fit in your schedule you're setting yourself up to not do them. Start off where you feel comfortable. Tone down the intensity and focus on your form. This will help out with your confidence as you get acclimated to the world of fitness.
5. You Don't Have To Do It Alone
Taking these steps is hard but it's worth it. It's not just about looking better its also about feeling better! Don't think of it as a sacrifice but rather an opportunity to be productive. All day we work our butts off and it's nice to do something for ourselves. Find a friend to help you through it. Whether you work out or work on recipes together you'll be motivating each other and keeping one another accountable.
6. Track progress
Be sure to not only track the pounds your losing but also how much your sleeping and what you're eating. No need to be obsessive but you want to be able to identify the little victories. For example, if you're getting more sleep give yourself some recognition for that! Likewise, if you created three new tasty dishes you should be proud of your new culinary skills. It's all about self-love and becoming a better you! Weight is just a number; discipline, creativity, and self-sufficiency are the qualities that will continue to motivate you through the hard times.
