Simple switches

So often, when we’re trying to attain a fitness goal, we think very large scale, like “I need to work out five times a week,” or “I can’t eat anything ‘unhealthy’.” Part of this is we tend to set very big fitness goals, like a huge amount of weight to lose. We psych ourselves out with these hard-to-reach goals, because we become scared of such a large feat.

Personally, I know that I simply cannot set very monumental goals. Of course, I have a long-term goal in mind, but I then focus on the short-term goals that I can enact right now. Otherwise, I become frustrated with being unable to reach a goal that with perfect discipline will take me over a year to achieve.

One of my techniques to set short-term goals is to make “simple switches.” By that, I mean making small decisions that add up. We probably all have heard a few, but don’t think twice about them. Trust me, they have helped me immeasurably begin to work towards larger goals.

Here are my favourite simple switches to get you started:

1. Take the stairs: You must have heard this one before… Instead of taking the elevator, opt for the stairs. Simple enough, right?
2. Switch out the soda: Instead, choose to go for the healthier, better thirst-quencher of water.
3. Go to sleep: Swap out late-night Netflix binges and choose to get a few more hours of rest. It will pay off in the morning!
4. Go with fruit: Hungry for that mid-afternoon snack? Choose to have a piece of fruit.
5. Take your lunch: Plan ahead and take your lunch to work and school; you’ll be more satisfied—physically, emotionally and financially!
6. Eat breakfast: Get up a few minutes earlier—which will be possible if you follow number three—and start your day off right. Then, when lunch comes around, you won’t be so famished.
7. Opt for black coffee: If you absolutely need to have your morning cup of coffee, cut out any of the copious amounts of sugar, milk and cream that you mindlessly pour in.

These are a few of my favourite, and simplest, ways to start making simple switches. By incorporating these into your daily routines, you’ll soon begin to realize how easy it is to live healthily. Small switches also help you to be mindful in your journey to reach your ultimate fitness goal!

http://blog.goodlifefitness.com/simple-switches