{"id":7899,"date":"2011-11-19T03:28:38","date_gmt":"2011-11-19T11:28:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/?p=7899"},"modified":"2013-09-13T10:05:42","modified_gmt":"2013-09-13T18:05:42","slug":"4-steps-to-sticking-to-your-workout-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickthebrain.com\/blog\/4-steps-to-sticking-to-your-workout-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Steps To Sticking To Your Workout Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

<\/a><\/p>\n

Why is it so difficult to lose weight when you have tried everything to make it happen? \u00a0Because like any habit, you slip back into familiar territory without realizing it or worse, you choose not to take responsibility for your decadent slips.<\/p>\n

Now is the time for a wake-up call to get back on diet track.\u00a0 For some persons all it takes is a weight scale to see those extra pounds and that is enough to take a serious second look at their diet plan. For others it might be that photo, taken at last week\u2019s birthday bash that finally gets them over the edge to a new diet challenge.<\/p>\n

Sticking to a diet plan requires a mind and body connection that motivates you to stay on track even when you don\u2019t feel like it.\u00a0 Self-monologue–stating positive self-affirmations is one way of telling yourself throughout the day how much portions to serve, how often to eat, and when to exercise–to keep your diet in check.\u00a0 Try these 4 simple steps to move you closer to your goal:<\/p>\n

Step 1:\u00a0 Tell Yourself You Are Worth It<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who else is going to tell you every moment of the day that you are worth it!\u00a0 You have your own personal coach \u2013 your conscious mind\u2014uplifting you to achieve the best for yourself.\u00a0 Replace your old self-monologue with a new positive self-talk\u2014and when doubt tries to thwart your efforts, repeat a positive affirmation such as– \u201cI will achieve my goal, I am determined, and deserving; I refuse to fail.\u201d<\/p>\n

Step 2: Setting Realistic Goals<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you intend to reach your goals set the rules then write them down.\u00a0 Setting goals and working toward reaching them is essential in creating self-fulfillment. Add words of daily encouragement and direction by telling yourself you are worth it in different ways, written within your rules.<\/p>\n

Keeping a food diary is a must<\/span> if you are to honestly assess the amount of calories you consume.\u00a0 Remember you need to burn more calories than you put in, therefore ensure that your exercise is sufficient and lasts a minimum of 30 minutes each workout.<\/p>\n

Step 3:\u00a0 Choose An Exercise You Enjoy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Find out which exercise will increase your determination to stay with your regimen.\u00a0 If Pilates, aerobics, kick-boxing, or elliptical training is more your style, get into the program.\u00a0 Otherwise continue reprogramming your conscious mind with self-assurances to stay on your path to achieving goals, regardless of the exercise.\u00a0 Building lean muscle mass by toning your body and reducing fat intake will have you burning calories even while you sleep.<\/p>\n

You can do it!<\/em><\/p>\n

Step 4:\u00a0 Indulge Sensibly in Healthy Snacks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do not deprive yourself of snacks because you are dieting.\u00a0 In fact, snacking is an important part of any diet. It keeps your metabolism revved up and ready to burn.\u00a0 Aim for 2 \u00bd hours between main<\/strong> meals to have your snacks. Choose snacks sensibly, watch out for portions<\/span>, and continue your calorie count.\u00a0 Great snack ideas include:<\/p>\n