Getting back into it...
Towards the end of last year I had really dropped my training regime as other commitments took over and I wasn't prioritising my diet and exercise at all (which is not like me!). I actually gained 5kgs and despite everyone telling me 'you look fine' I knew my clothes felt too tight, I felt bloated and sluggish. When all of the festivities were over (around the 29th December) I felt my body craving some hard-core nutrition and movement again.
This is when I started my 'detox' and decided to make a plan for the New Year. This is what I did:
I really wanted to keep things simple. I have a tendency to over-complicate things and get over-excited. Before you know it I've enrolled in dance classes on the other side of the city and boot camp at some ungodly time in the morning (which I will get to when I'm fighting fit) but for now it is not what I needed if I wanted my motivation to last. This time I decided to stick to what I know, running. Every second day until I felt like 'myself' again I would go running. The park is next to my house, I like running and I don't even need to think about it, easy.
The same goes for my eating plan. Simplicity is the key, forget high protein this, low carb that, protein shakes at these times and so on. I just decided I would ONLY eat natural ingredients. So think fruit, vegetables and fish. No desserts, no alcohol, no bread/rice, no refined sugar. I allowed olive oil/coconut oil, quinoa, apple cider vinegar, nut milks, seasonings and so on to make things taste yummy. I was really surprised at how creative I got, this is when I did my Quinoa Sushi (yum!)
I wanted a goal to be at the back of my mind. What was it that I wanted to achieve and how would I get there? I knew after a few weeks my plan would be to add personal training and then after a few weeks of running and personal training I would add either yoga/barre. Eventually I would be doing all three every week which I had tailored to my lifestyle. For me, it is just about fitness, but perhaps you have a more specific goal, like you are going on holiday or you have a function in a few weeks/months and want to look and feel your best, make this your focus and if you're having a bad day remind yourself of this.
Look for some inspiration. I don't know about you but I love looking up healthy recipes and getting new ideas. Also I love scouring fitness sites and magazines to feel more motivated and to read up on the latest trends in the industry. Do some research if you feel lost with diet and exercise and see if you can get your motivation that way.
Turn things around. Change your attitude, this sounds obvious but its amazing how a bad attitude can be the main reason your not sticking to your plan. My daily run is something I really look forward to, but I think half of that is because I am telling myself to look forward to it. If I am not into it I remind myself how lucky I am to go running in such a beautiful place, to have a healthy body, to feel alive and so on (be grateful!)
Create a sanctuary. I had a HUGE clear out over the New Year and invested in some gorgeous new pieces for the bedroom. Lots of candles, new curtains, new bedding and sleepwear. Having a good nights sleep is so important if you are making all these changes, you need somewhere to relax and is actually relaxing (i.e de-clutter, re-organise drawers, get some mood lighting, banish harsh lighting or bold bright colours....just keep it calm)
Enjoy it. If you are really struggling with the 10kms on the treadmill and dreading every moment then stop and re-evaluate. Why do you hate it? Maybe you would be better running outside? Maybe the distance is too far? Maybe you need to start with something else? Maybe you need a training buddy? Whatever it is, don't beat yourself up over it! Just be realistic and start afresh with a different approach.
Monitor your progress, you will be amazed when you start to see results and thats when it really will become addictive.
Have fun x x