The secret is that there is no secret! The reality is there is no simple answer,and that getting and staying fit is a lifestyle, not a quick fix. Let's explore 7 Keys to getting fit and staying fit and if you apply these you too will benefit greatly from the list below.
1. Don't Buy Junk Food.
Fit people know that if they keep junk food in their freezers, cupboards, fridge, car, or any where they store food, it will eventually land on their waist. So they don't buy any. Even buying junk food for your kids or spouse is not advised since 1) you'll likely eat some of it eventually, 2) your loved ones shouldn't be eating that junk either. It's called junk food for a reason, and 3) childhood obesity is a major problem, is on the rise, and parents are mostly in control of what their kids consume especially in the home.
Kick the chips, cookies, candy, baked goods, pre-packaged snacks and anything else that belongs in a vending machine to the curb. Replace the above with fresh fruit, veggies, nuts and other healthy whole foods snacks. Save the "junk food," for a cheat day that's out of the house and buy it in a one-time consumable quantity. Remember that the less that you reach for the junk food the less pull for it and the more that you pull for the healthy choices the stronger the pull.
2. Make Exercise a Priority. Fit people make exercise a priority.
Along with keeping a job, paying the bills and going to the doctor, exercise is an important part of their lives. What I've found is that fit people put exercise before leisure time. Sure, fit people enjoy leisure, but it is scheduled around their workout time. Whether it is hiring a personal trainer, joining afitness program, or taking up some form of exercise you enjoy. They devote at least a few short hours per week to be active and you should too. Face it, the only fountain of youth that we really have is exercise, good nutrition, rest, and a positive mental attitude. Treat exercise time with the same importance that you would a business meeting or trip to the dentist or even a massage.
3. Do not over eat. fit people stop eating when they feel full.
Sound simple? It is, but how many times have you stuffed yourself simply to clear your plate? Or how many times have you eaten another piece of cake despite being stuffed? These habits MUST be practice and the more you practice them the easier it gets. The next time you feel full, take it as a sign to stop eating. Yes, even if your plate isn't empty. Remember to eat slow because it takes the body 7-10 minutes to signal the brain that you are full.
4. Push yourself out of your comfort zone & let others Help.
Not only do fit people make time exercise first thing in the morning, they challenge themselves during each workout. While it is easy to simply go through the motions while exercising, you're cheating your body out of great results when you don't push yourself out of your comfort zone. Exercise should make you sweat, make your muscles burn, and leave you with a feeling of accomplishment.
Find ways to make each workout more challenging for yourself. For competitive people, the best way to push yourself is to exercise with a friend of similar strength. Another great way to challenge yourself is to set small attainable goals. These goals could be to push heavier weight, do more reps, sprint longer, or to do cardio at a higher intensity setting. And of course doing small group training, personal training, or a Boot Camp will give you the push you need to take it to the next level.
5. Don't binge in front of the TV.
Fit people know that eating in front of the T.V. is mindless eating. When your attention is on your entertainment and not on your food, then you'll be less tuned in to what and how much ends up in your mouth. Eating in front of the T.V. is also very habit forming. Ever notice how you crave munchies just as a reflex of sitting in front of the T.V.? Eat before or after your entertainment and pay attention to what and how much goes into your mouth.
6. Keep hydrated.
Fit people drink lots of water. And not just in addition to other beverages, but instead of them. Water is their main drink, while other drinks are occasional treats. Calorie-filled drinks are one of the quickest ways to consume excess calories which quickly turn into fat. Consider water your beverage of choice. Drink plenty of it each day and drink other beverages only a few times each week.
7. Find support.
Fit people don't leave their motivation to chance. They know that if their personal trainer, boot camp instructor, or workout partner is waiting for them, then they are less likely to skip a workout. It is so easy to hit snooze or to talk yourself out of the gym as soon as your behind hits the couch after work. Fit people take the option of "skipping" out of the equation.