It’s that time of the year again!

 

Time for sweets and good eats, spending time with family, and generally just having a good time! This joyous time of year can wreak our figures! This does not have to be the case. The following are sure-fire ways to enjoy the upcoming occasions while still minding that waistline.

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The first and most difficult step is to make up your mind and be completely honest with yourself. Most people know the physical trouble spots they would like to work on. But dig much deeper than that and find out what's really going on. Are you not at your personal best because of lack of time? Plan ahead. Is it because of an emotional issue? Seek help and work on it. Easier said than done, right? But if you do not fix the cause, what's to prevent the issue from reoccurring? Be empowered to continually better yourself! While something may inspire you, true motivation comes from within.

 

Once you've made up in your mind that bettering and taking care of YOU is a priority, you should set or begin a routine. This may not be everybody's thing, but the easiest way to see results is through repetition, which is highly subjective. For instance, one person may decide that it's best to set aside a block of time each day to workout (which is highly recommended), while someone else may decide that it's more beneficial to commit to a workout series that can be done whenever is convenient. It's up to you! Just be realistic and come up with a workout plan that works for you. Be sure to account for your usual free time, the type of activities you like to do, and where you are physically. Be open to trying new things. You don't have to move mountains all at once. Take each hill one at a time.

 

Decide that you are in it for the long haul. Temporary plans beget temporary results! The change to a healthier you should be a permanent change. A lifestyle change. What does this mean?! Simply put... No fad diets, no crash diets, or anything else quick and dirty. Make it live-able and realistic. Decide to eat better. Think about what you are putting in your body before you do it. An easy fix for this is planning ahead or pre-planning meals. By doing this, you greatly reduce the opportunity to slip up. You also have the opportunity to plan healthy meals that are actually delicious. Eating healthy is by no means boring! You just have to think about what to prepare and how to prepare it. You can have your favorites, just think of ways to cut down unnecessary fats and make it healthier. Portion control is a must also. It's not hard, just requires thought! And again, after doing it for a while, it becomes routine.

 

Last and certainly not least is accountability. This one is self-explanatory. Who's not going to play their best game with 50 million fans watching?

 

Remember to make yourself a priority. 

 

Be the best you that YOU can be... 

 

On all levels!

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