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Question of the Month:
Q. I’ve gained a few holiday pounds and haven’t been able to shed them yet… How can I jumpstart my weight loss and be sure to keep it off?
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A: Ah yes, I think we all let go a little bit during the colder months. I’ve managed to pack a few on myself. As long as you have a plan and the self-discipline to stick to it you’ll turn those winter pounds into solid muscle in no time.
The first thing you want to do is rid your cupboards and freezer of any left over holiday junk food. Get rid of those frozen cakes and cookies, trash those boxes of stuffing and put the wine back in the cellar where you won’t be tempted by it in the evenings.
Now make a healthy shopping list full of fresh produce, lean proteins, and good carbs. Always make sure to have healthy snacks on hand so you don’t bust your new eating plan. Perhaps purchasing a funky cooler to lug around your healthy meals and snacks could be a part of your New Year’s resolution?
Once your nutrition plan is back on track it’s equally important to sweat off your recent indulgences in the gym. Sign up for a class you’ve never tried before (perhaps a fusion class?), think about hiring a personal trainer to really push you for a month or two, and why not start walking or jogging on your lunch hour?
If you don’t work out with weights, now is the time to start! You’ll be amazed at how you can change your body with the free weights and machines you’ll find at your gym. Make sure to do cardio at least three times a week for a minimum of 40 minutes and be sure to squeeze in a 30-minute weight training session about four times weekly.
One fantastic way to start 2006 on the right foot is by getting a food and exercise journal and keep track of your progress from day one. Whenever you feel lazy you can just flip through it and remember all the hard work you’ve already put into your new body.
Here are a few things you can jot down inside your new journal to keep you going in the right direction:
• Watch your portion sizes
• Be careful when you eat
• Try doing cardio first thing in the morning
• Try eating the majority of your calories before 4 PM.
• Do not eat within a few hours of bedtime if you can.
• Have a healthy snack 30 minutes before eating out at a restaurant
• Eat slowly
• Listen to motivating music when you’re working out
• Train with a buddy
• Consume protein immediately after your workout
• Hang up a motivating poster or collage of your dream body
Good luck!
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ANSWERED BY:
Alicia Rewega
Fitness Editor
Oxygen Magazine |
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