Weight loss and workouts. Neither sound immensely fun, but it is true that nothing good ever comes easy. Equally true is the fact that diet and exercise go hand-in-hand. But, what measures can you take in managing the two? Here’s a simple guide to planning a diet that compliments your fitness regimen.
Seeking Out Expert Advice
Consulting a nutritionist is a very good idea, in order to get the very best advice and expertise when it comes to creating a customisable meal plan to suit your individual needs. So too, is seeking out reputable weight loss programs that take the guesswork out of what to eat, how much and when.
Similarly, it may be a good idea to enlist a personal trainer, or to make use of a guided exercise program (that is often granted when you first join a gym) in order to find the best training techniques, ie. ones that work for your particular body type, level of agility/flexibility/strength, and your long-term goals. Group fitness classes are also a great way to commit to a structured exercise regime for steady results.
Striking a Balance
Striking the perfect equation between diet and working out can sometimes feel like a bit of a hard task. In solving this, you may have heard that old chestnut the 30/70 rule. This refers to the relationship between healthy eating and exercise, with the idea that you should commit 70 percent of your focus to an effective diet, and 30 percent of your focus to getting fit. It’s a good yardstick to follow.
Feeling like you have done a lot of work in the gym (or doing whatever it is you usually do to break a sweat) can sometime operate as a bit of a trap (in that you feel like you can now eat what you like). It’s important to keep to your diet, but to still maintain your morale through moderation. That means allowing yourself a cheat day now and then to retain your sanity. If do you fall off the wagon, don’t beat yourself up. Just dust yourself off, and get right back on!
Making Healthy Choices
Carefully consider the types of food you put in your trolley when you are shopping, and what you choose to eat when you are out and about. For example, put down the soft drinks, avoid the carb-laden and greasy pre-packaged items (that are usually high in trans fats), and stock up on lots of fresh items high in protein and whole grains. Plus, always make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Some other basic tips include: never go to the supermarket on an empty stomach, and staying hydrated (at least 8 cups of water a day). These are small ways in which you can change your diet that can add up to a big difference over the long term. Always take the sustainable approach, as slow and steady really does win the race!
Preparing Ahead and Getting into a Routine
Preparation and routine are so important when it comes to fitness and sticking to a healthy diet. Meal prep (freezing your portions in the right quantities to allow you to defrost later at work etc.) is a really effective way to make sure you avoid to many instances of slipping up. If you buy takeaway, make sure you don’t overdo it, and look for the freshest and most wholesome options (eg. egg and salad sandwiches on rye bread, rather than a Mcdonalds burger and fries).
Finding a routine when it comes to exercising is also highly advisable. This is because consistency is a prevailing factor in fitness. Knowing when you can fit in a work-out is key to it actually happening. So, it’s great if you can figure out a solid plan and stick to it. After all, that’s exactly what this article is about: the power of planning. So, start mapping out your approach to health and wellbeing today, in a manner that manages both weight loss and workouts effectively.
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
