How many times have you sworn to stick to your fitness routine but failed? You've been jotting down 'To lose weight' and 'To shape up' on your New Year's resolutions list almost every year, but none of your plans seem to work.
Don't worry! We rounded up a few tricks that will make it easier for you to achieve your fitness goals.
1. Reflect on what you did last year.
First things first, think about what you have already accomplished this 2016 and what you have yet to do. From there, curate a list of resolutions and a game plan on how you'll achieve them. According to TV host and entrepreneur Patti Grandidge-Herrera, hers are always set around being stronger, sleeping earlier, and cutting out stress. Why not add these to your list as well?
2. Concentrate on your health, not just weight loss.
Most women tend to prioritize the numbers on their weighing scale over their health. Guilty? If you're more concerned about wearing those skinny jeans than your overall well-being, then you really need to re-evaluate your goals. Remember: It's not about the pounds you lose, it's about your lifestyle. That's why beauty columnist Kelly Misa advises women to concentrate on health by eating right, living right, and making good choices every day.
3. Plan ahead.
No resolution will ever be successful without a plan, which is why lifestyle blogger Patty Laurel pushes women to start planning their week—from their exercise routines down to the food they eat. Besides, planning ahead will motivate you to reach your end goals, stat.
4. Prepare your own meals.
Patty and Kelly emphasize the importance of preparing your own meals—from grocery shopping to cooking the dish itself. Aside from being way healthier than fast food, homemade meals also have less calories!
5. Always stick to your plan.
It's true that your list of resolutions is only there to guide you, and that nobody would know if you decide to skip one item or two. But if you really want results, you need to stick to your plan no matter what. Yup, that means no slacking off, CGs! And if you're really set on losing the extra pounds for good, “You have to be disciplined,” Patti said.
6. Never skip breakfast.
Most people find it difficult to wake up early in the morning to have their breakfast before going to work. But with easy-to-prepare meals like Quaker Oats, there's really no excuse to miss it. A bowl of Quaker Oats contains fiber and protein-rich "supergrains" that are delish, healthy, and low in calories, as well as other vitamins and nutrients that help give lasting energy. No wonder it's Patty, Kelly, and Patti's favorite!
“Nobody wants to be around someone who's cranky, in a bad mood, or have very low energy. That's what happens to people who don't eat their breakfast,” Patti said. “That's why I indulge in my Quaker Oats every morning. It powers the rest of my day and keeps me from experiencing slumps.”
For more fitness inspo, visit Quaker Oats' website and Facebook page.