FALLing back into it

Lets admit it, life is crazy. It's a rare occasion to find time to do the things we truly love, let alone the things we don't, like eating a strict, healthy diet, or working our souls off. With temperatures slowly chilling out, September introduces the calm before the holiday storm, and it comes with a heavy load of responsibilities, as well as tempting food selections. Whether it's starting school, starting a new job, or hyperventilating from seeing Christmas decorations out so soon, the cold hard fact is that summer is officially over. You've either enjoyed the sun, with fresh, healthy snacks, and outdoor activities, or you've hidden inside to avoid the third degree burn, but vegged out a little too much. It's about that time to GET ORGANIZED and fall back into a healthy, stress free, routine, but how?

1. Plan, plan, and keep planning.

You're a free spirit, you plan as you go....that attitude won't get you safely to your next plan, or health goal, I know, because I've been there too many times. Your best bet, and most helpful asset, a planner. Plan your meals, plan your girls nights, plan upcoming birthdays,concerts,weddings, and don't stop planning until you're plan-less. Sometimes it's hard to realize how much you really have going on until you see it on paper, but if you write it down and look at the big picture, you'll never overbook, forget, or miss a thing.

The best part about planning your meals/snacks, you never miss a beat about what to eat. 

2. Wake up early.

More time for activities, studying, working out, or doing whatever you enjoy. Set your alarm for the same time everyday,even the weekends, and within two weeks your body recognizes the pattern. Waking up early will become less painful, you can do more with your day, and when you have to be up early for something, it won't be such a mind warp. Coming from me, sleep princess, it's hard, and it takes work, but with those extra hours, you can squeeze in a little extra something great for the day, like breakfast. Naps are always a great addition, as long as it doesn't keep you up all night, interfering with your sleep pattern. This is also recommended with going to bed at a decent hour, but lets start off little and work our way up, shall we?

3. Walk EVERYWHERE.

I know a vast amount of people who loathe exercise, well good news my friends, you're not hopeless. 80% of losing weight and maintaining that weight, is EATING. So basically, if you can stick within you caloric range each day, you just might not have to. That's right, you need to become a calorie counter. Don't complain, did you really think you could eat whatever you wanted, even when working out, and see true improvements? Dream on friend. With that being said, you need to move your legs around a bit to see change, doesn't mean you have to do intense cardio, just a few simple steps. Take the stairs at any given opportunity, walk to work/school/grocery store if close, take a 30 min leisurely walk in the morning/afternoon to enjoy the day, park a little further away wherever you go, and pace your place when you are deep in thought. 30 minutes a day, with a diet where you can eat whatever you want, within caloric limit, and you are jet set to a better routine. 

4. Jump the gun

With holidays creeping in, it is good to get ahead. Start preparing meals for the week in advance, slowly start picking up presents for christmas, or start deciding how much you REALLY want to eat on Thanksgiving. If you're not stuck in a sudden situation, you're a lot more likely to make a better decision, so get ahead...and re-read #1.





5. New season, new you.

Yes,routine, but what about a new one? Try a different way of thinking, and eating. Branch out a little people, eating the same way all the time is flat out boring, and bad for you. Much like doing different workouts is good for your body, so is mixing up your eating habits. Do a detox, try vegan/vegetarianism out for a week, experiment with recipes that involve more fruits and veggies, live a little. Find your niche, try a different style of clothing, add some out of the norm to your dull wardrobe, treat yourself to a new outfit,workout attire, or running shoes, freshin up that hair do...it does a body good to try a new routine...just find one that works for you and this season will FALL into place.