A new year is in the air, bringing with it new resolutions and fresh starts for 2018. For many, it’s a time to lose weight and get in shape.However, unless you’ve planned and prepared for success, your chances of achieving these goals are as slim as baking bread without flour, salt, water, and any other essential ingredients. In order to plan properly and get off to a healthy start in 2018, you need to have certain ingredients in place: a positive mindset, support system, motivation, and an unwavering desire to succeed. So, seize the day! If you want to feel healthier and see results a month from now, position yourself today to reach your New Year’s goals.
Not sure where to begin? Here’s how:
Put Yourself First in 2018
In 2018, you should make a vow to put yourself first. If you’re like most people, chances are you put off your own health, happiness, and needs in favor of focusing on the ones around you. In the New Year, however, try to pay more attention to your own health and happiness. In other words, make time for yourself. By doing so, you’ll experience improved mental, emotional, and physical health.
Keep It Real
Most of us get a little excited and carried away with our goal setting for the New Year, resulting far too often in failure. This year, rather than getting all hyped with visions of a chiseled bod or living in the mansion on the hill, be realistic with your expectations.
Heaping pressure on yourself to reach a far-off goal right from the get-go will only lead to disappointment and giving into old habits and mindsets. Take baby steps, set smaller goals, and reach them one by one.
Avoid Negativity
Whether it’s a person or a job you hate, get rid of the negativity in your life that’s been dragging you down. It will be tough, but it’s a must if you want to experience a happier, healthier self. Instead, surround yourself with positive people and immerse yourself in positive environments every chance you get. When you do this, you’ll instantly find yourself in a better position to tackle life head-on with a smile and enjoy every minute. Mindset is a very important factor when achieving goals, I highly recommend the healthy body and mind program, this is an amazing 60-day online mindset program that supports you in achieving your goals.
Discover Your Community
A popular stumbling block for those trying to get fit and improve their health is not joining others trying to do the same. Lucky for you, there are plenty of groups out there offering the motivation and support you need to achieve your health and fitness goals. From cycling and tennis to yoga and other sports, there is a ton of communities out there just waiting to be joined. Even if it’s simply an aerobics or Pilates class two times a week, shake up your schedule and go. Surround yourself with those living the life you would like to live and make it your reality. It’s that simple. 
Eat Better
This is a no-brainer. If you want to get off to a healthy start in 2018, you need to eat healthier foods. While you don’t need to starve yourself or go on a “diet” per say, you should certainly think more about what you’re putting in your body. You don’t have to go about it with the intention of losing weight. Rather, do it in an effort to live a healthy, active life. By being mindful of what you eat, you’ll instantly begin feeling better and seeing results. Giving your body the nutrition its need will give you the energy you need to focus on achieving your goals. This is why I personally start my day with an Isagenix Isalean shake. It gives my body the right nutrition to get my day start on the right foot. I do recommend for people to start off with their nutritional habits with the 30-day cleanse system to help assistant them into healthy eating habits.
Get Moving
Now, you may not need to start training for a marathon, but you should get your body moving by regularly participating in at least one physical activity you enjoy doing. Think long-term. Even if it’s just a short stroll around your neighborhood in the morning, evening, or both, it will get your blood flowing, muscles toning, and calories burning. If you’re more adventurous, try a dance class, join a cycling club, or even try a boxing class. Whatever it is, make a conscious effort to get off the couch and get moving. Our team member Mike joined a spin club on Boxing Day and has been hitting the bike 5 times a week!
Make Time to Eat Right and Exercise
It’s easy to talk about eating right and exercising, but doing it actually takes commitment and time. Unfortunately, lack of time is one of the most common excuses people make when throwing in the towel on their healthy New Year’s resolutions. Don’t make this mistake. Instead, ask yourself not if but when you can fit something in and mark the date and time on a calendar. Do this for both healthy meal preparation and working out, and before you know it eating right and working out will become part of your everyday routine.
Get Your ZZZs
Leonardo Da Vinci and Nikola Tesla may have only slept for twenty minutes at a time a handful of times a day, but science has proven 7-9 hours of sleep each night is a must for optimal health. In fact, ample research suggests sleep boosts the metabolism as well. Ideally, you should aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night. Between our modern phones and late-night TV, this can be tough to do. However, by turning off your brain at night and getting your beauty rest, you’ll begin noticing a difference in your energy levels and on the scale in no time at all. Many people do not realize that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain and affect your mindset which has an effect on achieving goals.
Develop a Backup Plan
Sure, it may seem like an admittance of future failure, but it’s important to develop a backup up plan in order to recover when you get off the tracks. It’s only natural to stumble from time to time and give in to your food cravings, but having a plan in place to deal with the situation will allow you to rebound rather than give in completely and erase weeks or months of hard work. Don’t let a one-time slip-up or mistake become an excuse for getting off your healthy track. Instead, you should reschedule that missed workout or find a low-fat alternative to your favorite fat-loaded food cravings. Above all else, stay positive and keep the wheels moving. Tomorrow is a new day! Consider looking at the various Isalean Bars or Whey Thins to keep with you on the go!
Stick to It
It’s important to stick to the positive changes you’ve made and the healthy habits you’ve developed. The year may be ending and another may be on the horizon, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on last year’s health resolutions. By sticking with the good habits you’ve developed and making them a part of your daily routine, you’ll be able to truly achieve long-term self-improvement. Stick to the plan and achieve your goals.
