We’ve all been at the point where we see a fit celebrity in a magazine or a commercial and we are instantly inspired to change our lifestyle. We think up all of these ways that we are going to change, how healthy we are going to eat, how we are going to start working out and stop being so lazy. At the moment it sounds like this amazing plan and you can see the image of your new healthy self in your head, but these thoughts only stay fresh and exciting for so long because you realize how much effort and change it is going to take. Being fit and healthy sounds like a good idea until you have to choose between that and your warm comfy bed and netflix.
Step one: The first step may in fact be the easiest. Making a plan. There are tons of workout plans, websites, crazy diets, etc. that are already made up, but if you are really looking to make a long term lifestyle change to be healthy you are going to have to make your own plan. Something that fits your lifestyle and is easy to stick to, not something that you are going to hate doing or feel forced to do. Start making healthier choices with your food by taking little steps and changing small things, the small things will start adding up and will become bigger steps over time and will be easier to stick to then making a big drastic change to the way you eat. Also make a workout plan that is flexible and fits your schedule, don’t assume you can just jump right in and run 5 miles start slow and work your way there.
Step two: Figure out what your motivation is. Whether it be to look good in a bathing suit in the summer, be more in shape for a sport, or just to be a healthier person, pick something and use it as a goal to work towards. Having something you are working for will keep you motivated on those days when you just want to stay in bed for another hour or want to eat a whole container of ice cream.
Step three: Get support. Tell the people in your life about your plans so they don’t hold you back and are there to support and motivate you. It is a lot easier to maintain your healthy lifestyle when others are participating. Cooking healthy meals for your family and getting them to eat healthy with you will make it a lot easier to stick to it. Also having a gym partner is extremely helpful. Not only is working out more enjoyable when you have a friend by your side, but they are also there to force you to get your butt off the couch and to the gym on those days when you’re really lacking in motivation.
Step four: Now that you have made your plan and gotten everything together it now comes down to the hard part. Getting off your butt and actually following through with your plans and more importantly sticking to it. The hardest thing is to start but once you get yourself there and stick with it long enough it becomes more of a habit and less of a chore. If you have motivation and support it just makes it that much easier. Push yourself and change things up, and most importantly KEEP GOING. Most new things are hard when you start them but it only gets easier and easier each time.
Although we may never actually look like those celebrities in the magazines, living a more healthy lifestyle has so many benefits. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance, but in the end only good things come out of it. Not only will you have become a more healthy person, but you will have worked hard to get there and gained confidence along the way.
2 comments:
Meg, your essay was very realistic and so easy to connect to. You addressed a topic that people struggle with daily. You essay was very objective. Your purpose easily recognizable. I liked how you emphasize the importance of individuality in a healthy lifestyle. I liked how you told your reader to not compare and contrast themselves to the images of celebrities plastered on the cover of magazine.
Your detailing was very elaborate and really allowed me visualize what you were saying throughout your process.
Of course, there are always small areas of improvement in our essays, but yours was a great read!
"Being fit and healthy sounds like a good idea until you have to choose between that and your warm comfy bed and netflix."
Oh, Megan, I needed to hear your advice! What I enjoyed as a member of your reading audience was the realistic approach and your encouraging tone. You go through the way to prepare mentally, not physically, for a habit change. I would appreciate even more specific suggestions, just brief details about those positive choices, either from experience or someone else you know or ahve observed.
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