“This year I will work out more and I will eat healthier!” Rings a bell? These are two of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but not many last past the first couple of weeks.

We’ve all been there, but the truth is that this is often due to a list of unrealistic goals we set for ourselves and the lack of good preparation. In fact, we’re here to share with you some practical tips that will help you start or resume your workout and healthy eating habits and, more importantly, stick to them.

Physical Exercise Starts with your Mind

Exercising is good for you, and you know it, but the idea of starting a new workout routine may feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been active for a while. Therefore, it all starts in your mind: be patient with yourself, don’t try to do it all at once. Consider starting with easier exercises and shorter sessions, even if you used to do more. Getting over this mental hump is often the toughest part, but persistence is key here. Yes, do things that motivate you such as creating an energetic music playlist, following trainers’ social media accounts, drinking tasty smoothies after each session, getting a new gym outfit, etc. Simply stay consistent even if you think you are not doing enough, focus on strengthening your self-discipline.

Routine, Routine, Routine

Like with most things in life, establishing a routine is key to a continued and worthwhile exercise regimen. Once you get past the first couple of weeks, you’ll have trained your body and mind to look forward to working out. The endorphins released during exercise will become a regular occurrence that you’ll look forward to.

To get there, though, it’s important to establish a routine. Remember: be consistent. Set time to work out every week, starting from shorter sessions and gradually increasing them. You can even choose a good friend to share this journey with you.

Once you’ve established your workout schedule, spend a little time planning your exercises. You could discover a personal trainer you love, or you can find an app that offers the kind of activities that interest you — running, lifting, yoga, etc. Apps often allow you to track your workouts and progress. Celebrate every new accomplishment, no matter how small it may seem!

Creating a Home Gym

With a bit of equipment — and a little know-how about exercises — you can start your own home gym. This will save you commuting time and make it easier to establish a routine. You may be able to find high-quality second-hand equipment for cheap in online marketplaces.

Not sure about what to look for? Here are some multi-purpose pieces of equipment that, when combined with bodyweight exercises, can offer a variety of workouts. Check social media home training accounts for inspiration!

• Yoga mat
• Kettlebells or dumbbells
• Workout bench
• Mirror
• Resistance bands

Depending on the types of exercise you like, you can easily find other equipment, such as a standing punching bag, a suspension trainer system or an exercise bike.

Healthy Eating

Eating healthy is good for your body and great for your mind – it will play a huge role in getting the desired results from your workout routine. The temporary bliss that comes from ice cream or candy has nothing on consistently giving your body what it actually wants and needs — vitamins, minerals, etc. Sticking to a healthy eating routine may seem hard at times, but just like with exercise, it takes determination and consistency for it to become a passion. Let’s consider some tips.

Plan your Meals

By dedicating some time at least once a week to plan your meals, you’ll get more control over what you’re putting in your body, plus you’ll save time.

If you’ve never meal prepped, don’t be intimidated. Once you get the hang of it, pre-planning and preparing your food becomes a breeze. Need some tips? We’ve got you covered.

• Ensure variety — No one wants to eat the same thing every day. Instead, plan two or three different meals that you can alternate, so you don’t get bored.
• Stick to a list — When you go shopping, stick to your plan. Sure, those cookies look good, but will they make you feel good later? Probably not. Oh and, avoid going grocery shopping on an empty stomach!
• Focus on seasonal produce — Try buying seasonal fruits and veggies. First, you’ll get them at their peak nutritive value. Second, you’ll be encouraged to try new things (which promotes variety, too!) If you want foods that aren’t in season, opt for frozen over canned, which often contain high levels of salt or sugar.
• Make it a family affair — Don’t be afraid to involve your spouse, kids, roommates or whoever! Food is more fun when it is shared. Meal prepping together also helps you stay accountable for your new, healthier habits while getting others to eat well, too!

Better-for-You Products

Another way to help create and maintain healthy eating habits is to make sure you replace unhealthy snacks and drinks for better options, such as fruit, nuts or fresh smoothies. That way when you get a craving, you have something ready to go that is good for you and delicious.

Our better-for-you products are designed to complement your healthy routine on a regular basis. For example, you can start your day off with Slenderiiz® PureNourish™, a food supplement designed to enhance digestion and optimise nutrient absorption. Each serving combines 15 essential vitamins and minerals with high-quality plant protein, natural enzymes and fibre in a shake.

Looking to add a little more to your PureNourish shake? Add some Slenderiiz® Power Boost™! Its natural cocoa flavour not only tastes delicious, but it’s part of a blend of L-glutamine (an amino acid found in your muscles), medium-chain triglycerides and vitamin B6 that contributes to reduce tiredness and fatigue and a normal energy-yielding and protein metabolism. Perfect to reward yourself after a workout session.

Need to make sure you’re getting all your veggies during the day? Turn to Slenderiiz® Giving Greens™, a whole-food veggie, nutritive powdered drink mix that offers over 900 grams of veggies in one drink so you can easily fuel your body with vital phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals to support the immune system, aid digestion and contribute to collagen formation for the normal functioning of blood vessels.

Use these better-for-you products in combination with an active and healthy lifestyle and you’ll be looking and feeling better before you know it. Thinking that you can’t do it will be a thing of the past!