Here is to a New Year in 2015!

Happy New Year!

New Year's resolutions: you hear them every year, but do they last?

 Lets take a new spin on this new year: a new healthy lifestyle for the whole year!

1. Don't focus on the scale!

-The number on the scale does not provide body fat %, which is a better measurement to determine weight goals. 

Excellent body fat % for males: 10-15%

Excellent body fat % for female: 20-25%

2. Have flexibility in your diet

-Eliminating food from your diet only prevents overeating.

-Being able to allow "cheat" foods into your diet prevents failure.

3. Make realistic goals

-Check out an old post: How to make SMART goals

4. Focus on the rest of your life; not just the year 2015.

-Make this year a time to focus on healthy changes to make in your lifestyle.

-Remember: you will have times that are hard or times that you will fall down. Get back up and focus on being healthy, don't let the fall bring you deeper down! 

5. Get more active!

-You hear it all the time, but just 30 minutes a day has mental and physical benefits.

-Get your blood flowing and feel good at the same time!

-Improves confidence and self-esteem

-Here are some exercises and tips on my post: Get Your Fitness On!

6. Do more strength training vs cardio this year!

-For both men and women, strength training is so important. When building muscle, calories will be burning all day long vs cardio burning only at that moment.

-Gain strength to do normal physical movements, for example: getting in and out of the car. 

-Reduces risk of osteoporosis

-Increases lean body mass and reduces body fat

7. Monitor your progress

-Find a pair of jeans or outfit that you want to fit into or don't want to outgrow.

-Log your food and exercise activity down. MyFitnessPal is a great app!

-Have someone join you in the process to hold each other accountable.

8. Find the right portion sizes for food.

-Start using measuring cups and food scales to get portions right.

-After a long time, you will know what 1/4 cup really looks like!

9. Make a healthy lifestyle a new habit

-Start with small steps, like exercising 3 days a week for an hour, than increase your days. 

-Start packing your meals the day before to prevent a 'quick' meal, which are usually unhealthy options.

-After a month or two of following a healthy lifestyle, it will become a habit. 

-You will not be upset when you feel and see the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

10. Try a new healthy recipe each week

-Make enough for leftovers for lunch the next day.

-Sweet and savory recipes are provided on my blog!

Have a great 2015! Don't forget to keep checking for new recipes and healthy tips on my blog!