“This year, I’m going to exercise seven days a week.” “I’m going to shed all my holiday weight.” “I vow to give up all carbs.”
If you’ve ever uttered one of these phrases as a New Year’s resolution, you’re not alone. But let’s be honest – these extreme ambitions tend to fizzle way before the next calendar year. From watching what you eat to how you eat it, we’ve compiled ten tips that will give you a realistic nudge in a healthier direction for 2012.
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10. Start small and slow: Avoid jumping straight to counting calories and hitting the gym seven days a week. Instead, take small steps to a healthier life.
9. Rally the troops: There is strength in numbers. Gather co-workers, friends or family to join you for a workouts – it will give you the added incentive to hit the weights without sacrificing your social life. For an added bonus for your waist (and wallet), look out for group gym membership rates or discounts.
8. Smaller plates, smaller portions: You’ve heard the trick to shedding those lbs. is smaller portions. To give you a little push in the right direction, stock your cabinets with this small plate set. You’ll be less inclined to pile on food (and pounds).
7. Drink up: Substitute your morning cup of Joe with a tall glass of H2O or decaf tea. Hydrating throughout the day will give you energy, kick up your metabolism and help you lose weight. Still need more motivation? Water will prevent your mid-afternoon work headaches and leave you with replenished, dewy skin.
6. Say buh-bye to booze: While most people watch what they eat in an effort to keep healthy, many overlook their liquid intake. You’ve heard that sugary sodas are diet don’ts, but the biggest culprit is alcohol. Limit yourself to one glass of wine during dinner, and a beer or two one night a weekend.
5. Be a cheater: You might call us crazy for this one, but trust us—a preplanned cheat meal will help you keep your eye on the prize. We’re not suggesting you go crazy and gobble down 12 chocolate bars, but one treat a week will keep you from going sweet stir-crazy.
4. Work for it: Small changes during the workday can have a huge impact on your health over time. Save calories and money by packing a lunch with you during the week. If you don’t have the time or kitchen skills, find a spot away from the office and take a brisk walk to pick up lunch.
3. Eliminate temptation: Sometimes, willpower is just not enough. Bottom line: don’t bring foods into the house that will make you forget all of your hard work!
2. Shake things up: Part of the reason we dread the gym is the same, boring fitness routines. Inject a new workout into your weekly routine – try a yoga session (don’t forget your yoga mat), bust a move at a salsa lesson or enjoy a bike ride al fresco.
1. You are how you eat: Healthy eating doesn’t just call for what you eat; it’s also about how you eat. Studies show people tend to eat more when they’re in front of screens – from phones and iPads to the TV and the big screen. Keep this in mind before you bring a bag of chips or large popcorn to your next screen session. Take the time to enjoy your food, be mindful of what you’re eating, chew slowly and listen to your body.
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Look good while you sweat – Shop our C9 by Champion picks below!
Women’s
C9 by Champion Women’s Long-Sleeve Fleece Athletic Top in indigo
C9 by Champion Women’s Seamless Cami Sports Bra
C9 by Champion Women’s Racer Back Compression Bra
C9 by Champion Women’s Long-Sleeve Fleece Hoodie Athletic Top
C9 by Champion Women’s Reversible Shorts in Tour Green
C9 by Champion Women’s Athletic Leggings
C9 by Champion Women’s Compression Capri Athletic Pants in Tour Green
Womens’ C9 by Champion Rori Athletic Shoe
Men’s
C9 by Champion Men’s Training Pant
C9 by Champion Men’s Long-Sleeve Tee
C9 by Champion Men’s Vest
C9 by Champion Men’s Mesh Short
C9 by Champion Men’s Long-Sleeve Powercore Tee
C9 by Champion Men’s Jacket in Manhattan Mist
C9 by Champion Men’s Lightweight Training Pant
C9 by Champion Men’s Short-Sleeve Pieced Tech Tee
C9 by Champion Men’s 8″ Gym Short
And stay healthy inside and out with healthy food picks from Target!
Healthy Food Picks
Archer Farms Simply Balanced Multigrain Bread
Archer Farms Simply Balanced Penne Florentine Lunch Bowl
Archer Farms Simply Balanced Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Snack Crackers
Archer Farms Simply Balanced Butternut Squash Fusilli
Archer Farms Simply Balanced Pomegranate Strawberry 7-Grain Granola Bars
Archer Farms Organic Sea Salt Flatbread Crackers
Amy’s Organic Black Bean Chili
Wholesome Fair Trade Organic Honey