New Year, New Start - Top 5 Tips to Get Back On It!!

For the last couple of months since my last post I've been plodding along, quietly growing a little person and dealing with all the things that go along with that. I've managed to only put on 10lbs so far and stayed the same dress size (but maternity version) on the bottom and gone up 1 dress size on the top. I've not fallen too far off the healthy eating bandwagon and up until the christmas break, I was still keeping up with my zumba. All in all, not too bad. Could be better, but not too bad.

I have really focussed my outlook on the whole diet/healthy lifestyle thing now though and I am definitely in the headspace of calling it a lifestyle change, rather than a diet, as that is what it has now become. I am really looking forward to getting back to my running too, something I never thought I'd say. I'm avidly thinking about what fitness items I would love to have and planning how I'm going to get back into exercising once I've had the baby, all being well. I'm reading more health related tips and trying to fit them into my life at the moment, while not tracking my calories at all, simply focussing on trying to be healthier and using my knowledge and the scales as my guide.

I'm trying to fit in more exercise where I can but I have been seriously set back by dealing with a permanent cold for the past 5 weeks alongside all that comes with being pregnant. I'm trying to stay positive about it and I've only missed the 2 weeks of zumba I would have missed for christmas anyway, but I'm not managing to do much else. I'm trying to do little bits where I can, such as walking, yoga etc but I know this is an area I really need to work on. Fingers crosssed this cold clears soon and I can try and fit a little more in for my final trimester.

Aside from that, I'm also thinking about this time last year when I really started this journey. I've noticed how much the media and retailers really push the health and fitness element at this time of year, its no wonder I was inspired. I know most people will have given up by the end of the month, but if you are thinking about starting/re-starting/improving a healthy lifestyle, please take advantage of all that is on offer at the moment. If you really push yourself now, who knows where you could end up? It certainly worked for me!!

To help you on your way, here are my top 5 tips on getting your healthy lifestyle off to a good start/restart - 

1. Moderate the christmas leftovers! We'll all have bits and bobs of naughty treats left over from Santa, but don't be tempted to binge on them all to get them out of the way. Ideally, you would bin them or give them away, but a lot of this stuff will have been gifts and it feels ungrateful and rude to do so, but if you can get rid of it, do so. If not, moderate it and allow yourself a little treat at the end of the week for eating well and exercising - just don't overdo it.
2. Plan your weekly eating - This has been a lifesafer for me more times that I can count and would be my absolute top tip. At the start of the week, I make an eating plan for the week consisting of 7 main meals, various lunches, breakfasts and healthy snacks. I start with using what I have in the house already and then add whatever else I need to the list. Then I stick to it when I go shopping! It has not only helped me stick to my diet (I can't eat what I haven't bought) but it has also halved my shopping bill. What better way to get over christmas than to be healthier and (slightly) wealthier?!
3. Read, read, read! - There is an information overload at this time of year about ways to be healthier, recipes and exercises to try. Read as much as you can and try what interests you. If something doesn't work, try something else, but keep on going. For someone starting out, I would recommend reading up on the exercises to do at home as the gym or classes can be a bit daunting at first. I've seen loads of things around at the moment to try and a quick google would find you more, most for many different ability levels.
4. Buy yourself some new gym clothes - There are loads of them on sale right now so treat yourself. It only has to be something small, like a new t-shirt or vest top, but it will give you that extra motivation to get it on and get active.
5. Talk to others - So many people will be giving it a try so talk to each other, share your stories and your ups and downs. Maybe even try a class together? Or something like the 30 day ab challenge? Even a bit of healthy competition (as long as you don't take it too seriously) can spur you on.

One more quote I have heard somewhere to leave you with - it takes 66 days to make a new habit - so keep it up till March and it should stick, 3 months really isn't that long. 

Fingers crossed and best of luck! I'll be joining you again soon!!!