It's July. It's summer. It's time for vacation, relaxing, enjoying the beach, right? Sure. It's also a great time to start working on getting in great shape.
Maybe you're struggling to overcome excuses and obstacles. It's already summer, so what's the point in starting now? If you start working out and eating right then you'll have to miss out on barbecues and boozy summer times, right?
It's true that the best time to start is earlier. But the next best time to start is right now. Yes, even in summer.
Instead of asking yourself what's the point, consider the cost of waiting. We all know the most popular time to start is around New Year's. "New year, new me", right?
That's cool. But that's not for another six months.
Let's play sci-fi for a minute. In one universe, you put off starting a regimen until January 2020. In another, you start July 2019. Where are both of these versions of you going to be in a year from now?
Look ahead to January. Do you think you will feel regret for having started this summer? Do you think you'll feel proud of the progress you've made?
Now let's be honest. You might not be in a mental place where you feel ready to start now. No one starts until the prospect of remaining the same is more upsetting than the idea of changing.
If you are ready, then now is a great time to start.
The good news is you can start off simply. First, think of your goal. What do you want? Be really specific. Maybe you want to lose 25 lbs.? Or perhaps you want to feel more confident? Or to be able to play with your kids without being winded? Whatever it is, it's yours. Own it.
Next make a plan. How are you going to implement more activity and eating better into your lifestyle?
You don't have to be perfect. There's no need to go from very little activity and a not-so-great diet to working out 7 days a week and eating "clean" every day. Ramp your way up gradually.
If your physical activity right now is basically walking to the fridge and back, that's fine. Try going for a ten-minute walk around the block a few days a week. Start small. Start simple. Then gradually build your way up. Crawl, walk, run.
Add some strength training to your routine and you'll reap big dividends. Start slowly and build your way up with this, too.
This approach also applies when it comes to eating. You don't have to change it all up at once. That's really daunting and for most people, it's setting yourself up to fail. Implement small changes. Drink more water. If you're a soda drinker, try diet soda. It's really easy to drink a ton of calories without feeling it. If you can minimize the amount of calories you drink each day, that's going to be a big help.
Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your meals and as snacks.
Take your time when you're eating. You'll be able to enjoy the food more. Plus you'll be better able to recognize when you're satisfied. Aim for satisfied, not full, when you're eating. It's a subtle difference and an important one.
The best part of that concept is you can take it with you when you go to the summertime cook-out. You don't have to avoid the delicious foods. You should enjoy them! Just do so in moderation. Satisfied, not full.
Do these things as consistently as you can. When you slip up, understand that it's no big deal. Just get back on the plan as soon as you can. You haven't failed. You are never more than one workout from being back on track. You're only one meal away from being back on schedule.
The only way you fail is if you quit.
Hopefully you're ready to start now and start chasing your goals. If not, hopefully I've given you something useful to think about until you're ready to take action.
If you have any questions, let me know. I'm happy to help!
Comments