6 Ways To Spring Clean Up Your Health And Fitness
You have been bundled up in layers all winter, and now that things are warming up, you may be thinking about those extra layers you may have put on under those clothes this winter. Most people gain an average of 8 pounds over the winter. Lots of people start new nutrition and fitness routines in the spring to try and shed some of those winter pounds. Here are some tips to help you Spring Clean Up your health and fitness.
#1: START EATING LIKE IT IS SPRING: Ditch the heavy, warming comfort food and start eating like its Spring! Lots of veggies and fruits are their freshest in the Spring. Make a majority of your foods that you consume on a daily basis seasonal veggies and fruits. Some fruits and veggies that are fresh in the Spring are strawberries, avocados, artichoke, avocados, radishes, onions, apricots, arugula, beets, cherries, and grapefruit. Our tip, in the Spring, most local farmers' markets start back up. Find one in your area, grab your recyclable grocery bags, and go grocery shopping at the market. Plan your meals based on what is in season and available to you. That guarantees you are eating clean and fresh and passing on the processed junk found in the middle aisles of the grocery stores.
#2: GET OUTSIDE AND MOVE: Spring is a great time to freshen up your fitness routine and take your workouts outside. When we start something new and exciting we are more likely to do it. Look in your area for unique and fun outdoor fitness activities like trapeze classes, kayaking, or paddleboard excursions. Or brush the dust off those traditional outdoor activities you haven't done since last summer, ride your bike, go for a walk, or organize a pickup game of soccer.
#3: FRESHEN UP YOUR MINDSET: Some of us may still be suffering from the winter blues. Being healthy also includes your mental health! Check out a meditation app like Headspace or start a new motivational self-help book like David Goggins’ book, “Can’t Hurt Me”. Set aside 20 minutes every day for your mental health. Take your mediation outside or just sit and have a cup of coffee in silence (without scrolling on your phone, watching TV, etc.). With all of the distractions and busyness, it's easy to neglect the time that we need to reset and refresh.
#4: GET A BATTLE BUDDY: Research shows that we can be up to 80% more successful with our health goals when we solicit an accountability partner (if not 2 or 3!). We suggest you make a pact with a couple of friends. Share your short-term health goals with your accountability partner (for example, I want to walk 2 miles 3 days a week) and ask them to check in with you weekly (or daily if you need it) to check in on your goal progress. Group accountability is great too! Social media has tons of online support groups specific to every kind of health and fitness goal. I would suggest trying and find a smaller group or put together one of your own private Facebook accountability groups with people you know.
#5: CHANGE THINGS UP: Mabey you stopped going to the gym because you were just frankly bored with it. I mean, who doesn't feel like a hamster in a wheel going nowhere when running on a treadmill. Research some more creative ways to work out that are available in your area. Have you ever tried indoor rock climbing, stand-up paddleboarding, or even just checked out the local hiking trails? If you are looking forward to a workout because it is new and exciting to you, the more likely you are to do it!
#6: STOP LOOKING AT THIS AS A "DIET": The word "diet" implies "punishment", "restriction" and "temporary". This is why all diets eventually fail. Start looking at it as a "lifestyle change". If you start thinking of yourself as a "healthy person" rather than "a person who is trying to be healthy" it can make a big difference with your motivation. When you look at that box of donuts in the office and think "I can't have that. I am on a diet". How does that make you feel? Not very motivating huh? The mindset shift to looking at the donuts and thinking "I am a healthy person and that is not supportive of my health goals". Now that sounds like a person who empowered by their journey and focused on their goals!
Of course, here at Fire Team Whiskey, we are standing by to help you achieve your Spring health and fitness goals. Not sure what eating plan would be best for you? Are you looking to target a specific are for fat loss or muscle gain? Try one of our online personal training plans. We customize your plan based on your goals so you can achieve them FASTER rather than trying some “one size fits all” diet or fitness approach. All you need to do is choose your Trainer and get started!