Although many valuable resources are available online on how to get back in shape and plenty of ways to begin, starting a diet and exercise routine can be tricky — because it takes time to figure out what to do and where to start.
Still, it’s much easier than you think. In fact, all you need is a simple plan that you can take action on.
With that in mind, let’s discuss creating a diet and exercise plan tailored to your needs and measuring your progress.
Use a Superfood Meal Replacement Plan
Are you looking to lose weight and build muscle but need more time to cook a healthy meal because of your busy work schedule? Perhaps a superfood meal replacement plan is the way to go. With these plans, you can easily swap out unhealthy meals with more nutritious options to achieve your health goals.
Besides deciding which meals you should replace with a superfood meal replacement option, here are a few suggestions for upgrading the rest of your diet.
First, incorporate protein-rich foods such as nuts, quinoa, and eggs into your meals. Protein helps build muscle and maintain a healthy weight.
Next, include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet for vitamins and minerals. Berries, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens are some of the healthiest superfoods to incorporate into your plan.
Then, look for natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup as alternatives to white sugar or artificial sweeteners for an added energy boost without all the extra calories.
Finally, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and eat some high protein snacks to make your diet complete.
Find an Exercise Routine You Enjoy
Do you need help sticking with an exercise routine and getting results? Maybe despite setting up detailed weightlifting, calisthenics, jogging, and stretching routines, you find that you gradually get bored and lose interest in exercising.
Staying motivated about your fitness goals requires an enjoyable exercise routine.
What have you found pleasurable in the past? Swimming? Dance classes? Yoga? Martial arts?
Find activities that make keeping up with your exercise routine fun. By choosing something you enjoy, you can accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
Or try something you’ve never done before. Power boxing, for example, combines aerobic and anaerobic exercises to give you a full-body workout in a short amount of time.
If you decided to try that sport, here are some tips on finding the perfect power boxing routine:
First, discover which type is best for your fitness goals and lifestyle by researching different types and their benefits.
Next, find a class or instructor that fits your personal needs. Look for someone who has experience teaching the style of power boxing that interests you and offers personalized instruction based on your goals. Since you want to avoid getting bored with your routine, make sure the class or instructor offers a variety of exercises to keep it exciting and challenging.
Then, go for walks or jogs before or after class to practice moves you learned in class, or schedule extra time at the gym to practice moves you learned in class. Also, try different routines until you find one that works for you. Power boxing may be your thing.
Track Your Progress
Set realistic goals for yourself and track them over time in a workout log. This will help you gauge where to focus more effort and when to move on to something new.
Start by developing a plan for tracking your progress. This could include writing down what exercises you do, recording how much weight you lift, or counting calories daily.
Do you see results? If you don’t make the progress you expected, it may be time to evaluate what changes you need to make to achieve success.
Take Small Steps to Reach Your Goals
Now that you know the basics of jumpstarting your diet and exercise routine, it’s time to take action. No matter where you’re starting from, don’t be discouraged. Making lasting lifestyle changes takes time, effort, and dedication. But with a few small steps in the right direction each day, you’ll be well on your way to feeling energized each day.
