Aristotle said it best: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
This is 100% true when it comes to establishing lifelong fitness habits. Contrary to popular belief, people aren’t born with a perfectly toned and aesthetically pleasing body. They’re made through hard work and most importantly, through consistency. Just show up day in and day out.
Implementing a few simple habits makes the difference between being fit and successful or being a couch potato who lives in the land of mediocrity.
Here are 5 easy habits to implement immediately that will have you looking awesome, feeling wonderful, and living a successful productive life.
1. Choose a nutrition plan that is simple, stress free, and satisfies your palate
There isn’t a one size fits all nutrition plan that everyone has to follow. Maybe your best friend feels energized by skipping breakfast(i.e. intermittent fasting), whereas you feel like crap without eating a healthy nutritious breakfast.
Both options will work.
For long-term success, your nutrition plan should mesh flawlessly with your current lifestyle. If you have a busy 9-5 job or are an busy entrepreneur, don’t worry yourself crazy by eating 5-6 times a day.(leave the tupperwares and meal obsessing to the bodybuilders)
Simplify your life, increase your portion sizes, and eat 3 meals a day.
At the end of the day, it’s only nutrition. Not rocket science. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated and uncomfortable.
Stop obsessing over finding the perfect plan and focus on more important things such as how you feel eating this particular type of way.
2. Adopt a 90/10 philosophy
It’s unreasonable, unnecessary, stressful, and boring to try and eat perfect every single day. Staying fit and living life to its fullest aren’t separate entities.
One of the most important fitness habits to develop is the skill of indulging without feeling any guilt. Allow some of your favorite foods to stick around. That’s what the 10% is for.
90% of the time, commit to eating foods that come from nature. Stay away from factory made processed foods.
Have your proteins come from chicken, eggs, beef, and fish. Excellent carb sources would be rice, potatoes, and fruits. Lastly, you have your healthy fats, which consist of nuts, avocados, coconut oil, and fats from meats. Veggies are a staple at every meal and can be eaten in unlimited amounts.
Make smart choices for your 90% and have fun with the 10% by eating whatever you want(ice cream being my choice).
3. Commit to working out 3 times per week
If you want to be fit and healthy, you have to make time for it. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
The difference between fit people and those who only dream about being fit is their level of commitment. Fit people strike a balance between work, socializing, and working out while the lazy hide within their excuses.
If you have time to sit for hours watching tv, playing mind numbing games on your phone, or mindlessly surfing the internet(cat videos & porn count)…then you have time to workout.
It doesn’t take hours upon hours everyday to become healthy and fit. Keep it simple and start with full body workouts 3 times a week for 30 minutes.
Who doesn’t have 90 minutes a week to spare for better health?
4. Have a positive outlook on yourself & life
“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change”-Wayne W. Dyer
Maintaining a positive attitude goes a long way toward achieving success. Our battles are won or lost mentally.
Optimistic people see adversity as an opportunity to learn a valuable lesson. Pessimistic people will handle adversity by quitting or using an excuse such as “it wasn’t meant for me”.
Let go of comparing yourself to anyone else. Your current body doesn’t determine your self worth.
You’re good enough already. Comparison will only accomplish lowering your self esteem (fix that here), increase resentment toward others, and making you more negative.
This kind of individual is one who will be alone forever.
5. Make sleep a priority
Sleep needs to be your best friend. It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race of everyday life trying to become the best versions of ourselves. Not getting enough sleep kills your daily productivity.
Neglecting sleep increases the likelihood for weight gain, along with increasing cortisol levels. Cortisol is your stress hormone and when its elevated above normal levels, fat loss substantially slows down.
Make a commitment to get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly.
Now it’s time to hear from you. What are some other fitness habits that are essential to lifelong success. Comment below.
- See more at: http://www.tigerfreedom.com/5-fundamental-fitness-habits-that-guarantee-lifelong-success/#sthash.HXRnvo2d.dpuf
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