Are you trying to reach your weight loss goal but are having trouble getting in the groove? Or maybe you're stalled with weight loss or a sport specific goal and you haven't been able to quite reach what you're working toward? Being prepared is half the battle to reaching your goals. If you want to remain healthy throughout the week, stick to your weight loss plan, adhere to your nutrition regimen for sports or energy, you must have a plan. Here are a six tips to get you started:
1. Plan Meals - Map out your plan for the week. What will you be eating for meals and snacks? Stick to tastes and food combinations that you actually like! Don't plan an entire week's worth of foods that are healthy but don't taste good to you. Find recipes and meal inspiration if you need to. Draw up a rough menu for the entire week. This way you have an actual plan to follow. You can be flexible with this menu though. If you'd like to have Tuesday's dinner on Thursday instead, allow yourself that freedom. The most important key here is that you have some sort of plan and the food to back that up.
2. Grocery Shop - Make your list. Once you've figured out what it is that you're going to be eating for the week, list all of the food and ingredients that you need to purchase. Quality is important! Try to stick to fresh, whole foods that are GMO free and/or organic if possible. Make sure your menu has a good variety of colors, fruits + veggies, health fats, healthy carbs + protein. You can adjust as you go in the store if need be.
3. Prepare Grab + Go Foods - Always have easy food on hand to grab for snacks (cooked protein, nuts, cut veggies, cut fruit, cooked rice, quinoa, etc) as well as if you're in a pinch for a meal. This way, you can quickly throw something together without much thought and you're less likely to eat something unhealthy if you have the good stuff at your finger tips.
4. Plan Your Workouts - If you're a workout-a-holic, you probably won't need this step. If you're someone that always has a hard time getting your workouts in, then you absolutely need this step. Schedule your workouts just like you would schedule any other appointment in your da - no excuses. Moving your body every single day is important for strength, cardiovascular conditioning, balance and more!
5. Plan Your Stress Reduction For the Week - How do you relieve stress? Do you like massage, mediation, yoga, watching the waves at the beach, enjoying quiet in an open field or prefer reading a book? Whatever you like to do to relieve stress is your go to for relaxation. Make sure you get some quiet time at least 3 times per week. This type of relaxation is important regardless of the amount of time and could be 5 minutes or 55 minutes depending on what your schedule allows.
6. Plan Your CHEAT MEAL! - Yes, you need to PLAN YOUR CHEAT MEAL! You have something to look forward to at the end of the week. The goal is moderation, not deprivation so make sure you work in one or two meals that satisfy you outside of the healthy norm if you prefer.
Remember, achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle is the goal. Creating healthy habits are key to living a healthy, stress free lifestyle. Try these tips to get you on track to living your healthy lifestyle.
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