Five Tips to a New You!

Ask anyone what their fitness goals are and they will probably respond with, lose weight. There are tons of diets and so-called miracle pills that claim to help you lose weight. The problem is- they are a quick fix or a plan that does not teach you lifestyle change. The bad habits and the decisions you make lead to weight gain and poor lifestyle decisions.

It's time to change your lifestyle and accomplish the goal of losing that extra weight for good. Here are five tips that will change your life. If you can follow these tips, you will be amazed with the results!

1. Eat five to six small meals throughout the day- Planning and preparing is key, and keep it simple. The idea is to eat every three to four hours. Doing this will keep your energy level up and metabolism burning. As opposed to eating the average American diet of two to three meals per day. Only eating two or three times per day creates a roller coaster ride for your metabolism and energy levels. We want our energy level up and to be burning calories all day long.

2. Drink water- Your body is mostly made up of water. Water regulates our body's temperature and provides the means for nutrients to travel to all our organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, protects joints and organs, and removes waste from your body. It is a powerful thing, and will naturally increase your energy level. How much should you drink? A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide it in half. For example, a 160 pound person should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day.

3. Stop eating fried foods- Fried foods add extra fat and calories. Although this may taste good, it has no nutritional value. If you are trying to lose weight and eat healthy, these foods will sabotage your diet. Start eating quality foods and your body will repay you for it. You will feel excellent and look terrific!

4. Stop consuming high calorie drinks- Consuming drinks high in calories is limiting your weight loss success. If you drink one soft drink a day- you can pack on an extra fifteen pounds in one year. Compound that over the years. These drinks actually make you hungrier. Your body expects to get full from the beverage, but instead you become hungrier. Also, a twelve ounce soft drink has around 150 calories. It will take you twenty minutes of running to burn off those calories.

5. Strength Train- Muscle is fat-burning machinery. The only way to increase muscle is to strength train. Plus, strength training will build bone, increase our metabolism, decrease your body fat, decrease your risk for injury and reshape your body. If you haven't already incorporated strength training into your life, start now! Start with two or three days a week and focus on all major muscle groups. It is recommended that you start with a Personal Trainer. You need a customized strength training routine based on your fitness level and limitations, and a Personal Trainer can help you establish this.

There you have it, five tips that will change your life. Implement these and you will be well on your way to a healthier and happier you!

Nick Clark, BS, NASM-CPT, has trained and completed half-marathons, triathlons, and duathlons. He owns Fitness Together, a private one-on-one fitness studio located in Lakewood Ranch, FL. He holds multiple certifications, has a degree in Exercise Science and has changed many lives through his overall 'lifestyle change' approach to fitness.

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