Today's post is about something that I need to work on myself, consistency. Consistency is a noun that means a steadfast adherence to the same principals, course, form, etc.
In order to truly be successful in anything, we have to be consistent with our effort. Most of us don't get to where we want to be in life by sometimes doing the things we need to do. Sadly, many people don't get where they want to be because they are either unwilling to try that hard or to scared to go for it.
To be good parents, we have to be consistent with our discipline, rules and expectations. To get or stay out of debt we have to consistently pay our bills on time and spend less money than we actually have coming in. To save money, we have to consistently put money into savings, decide on an amount per week or month to get to where we want to be. To lose weight or become more fit, we consistently have to eat well and exercise. It doesn't work if sometimes I eat well and other days I eat fast food and lay on the couch. If you want a raise or to be noticed as a great worker, you have to consistently be doing a great job, doing more than what you were asked of. If some days you came in and did a great job and other days were a total slacker, do you think that promotion would come any sooner? No. To truly get where we want to be in life takes consistent behaviors. Can we sometimes fall off and still succeed? I believe that yes we can. We just can't fall too far for too long.
Decide what you want in life, figure out what you need to do to get there, then be consistent about those activities, behaviors, attitudes, etc. You will eventually go where you want to go.
Don't give up when it gets hard, that's when you need to dig deep and push even harder. That is where the true benefits are.
This philosophy certainly related to your health and fitness, but it should be applied to all aspects of life; relationships, career, etc.
This is something I am certainly needing to work on, perhaps this reminder will help you too!
As I am sitting here putting together my Thanksgiving menu, I am thinking about how this Holiday is the highest caloric intake day in this country. My advice for Thanksgiving is to allow yourself to indulge. This is a day about giving thanks, about being with the people you love and sharing a meal together. You should be a part of that. You should enjoy that time with everyone and with food.
So, how can we survive it without going too crazy. Here are my tips for a successful Thanksgiving:
Workout in the morning if possible. A great workout will make eating all that food seem so much better. There are so many Turkey Trots and runs that your family members could partake as well. Gyms are always open Thanksgiving morning for that reason, to give people a chance to get a good workout in before the big feast! Push play on your favorite workout program, whatever it is do something. If you feel pressed for time, I can share with you a 15 or 20 minute workout that will be perfect. Also, try to workout the day before. The more calories you burn, the better you will feel about adding in more.
Eat a decent breakfast before you attend the big meal. I know people want to not eat at all that day and save it up, but really you are doing yourself no good by putting your metabolism on hold. If your metabolism is at a steady pace, you will be able to burn those calories off faster and won't eat as much.
Drink water before and during the meal. Water will make you feel more full and you will eat a bit less.
If you are making a meal or dish, make something that isn't loaded with a ton of fat or calories. Roasted sweet potatoes are delicious; roasted root vegetables with a little olive oil, sea salt, pepper and some herbs; a mixed green salad, mashed potatoes made with chicken broth instead of butter. There are so many options for delicious sides beyond stuffing, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. Be creative!
If possible go for a walk with some of your family members after the meal. This will aid in digestion and just help you burn that food faster. Or instead of plopping own in front a TV to watch football, play a game as a family. If it's active great, if not, just doing something together that involves more than just sitting, napping and eating will be great for all of you.
Enjoy yourself. Give thanks for all of the good in your life. Be grateful for where you currently are on your fitness journey and know that one day won't do too much damage.
