There are so many “How To’s” out there, it’s hard to decipher which one is the best plan for me. Do I hire a fitness coach or a personal trainer? Do I go it on my own? What to eat? How much to eat? When to eat? Do I need to do a lot of cardio? These questions all exist when a person is trying to change the size and shape of their body.
I have been trying to change the size and shape of my body for years. It’s a constant struggle. At 52 years old, there are now other factors that hinder my results such as; hormones and proper sleep. The exercises that I choose and the foods that I eat matter.
In addition to the internal factors, there are also the external. Friends, family and social settings have an impact on the choices I make when it comes to diet, nutrition and making time for a workout. I’ve had to learn to be strong and say “no” to certain things. I’ve had to learn self discipline.
For the average, mother’s, homemakers, and middle aged women like myself, who work and have little to any extra time in a day to squeeze in just a few moments for themselves, it’s extremely hard.
Due to my schedule, I find that it’s easier for me to get a workout session in during the early morning hours. I’ve had to train myself to get up earlier so that I have at least 30 minutes to an hour. If I wait and miss that window of time, there’s much less of a chance that I’ll get a moment later in the day. Fortunately, I’m able to squeeze in a walk during my lunch hour on some days and that helps with reaching my cardio goals.
I’ve learned to make meal prep a priority. I usually spend time on Saturday or Sunday preparing my meals for the week. Planning ahead makes it easy for me to grab and go and I usually eat the same meals for breakfast and lunch on more than one day.
For me, following a plan is crucial to my success. I have to prioritize planning for meals and workouts because I am faced with barriers for time, family food preferences and social settings. I have learned to make time for me. If I ever want to reach me my goals, I have to make myself a priority and put me first.
What are some obstacles that are hindering your success? What can you do to change it? Isn’t it worth developing a plan for your personal health and body goals?