Motivation!

Admit it. We've all been there, and had one of those days where getting out of bed feels like a challenge and going to the gym, pshh...there's just no energy for that! And while were really on a roll, why diet or go for the healthy option when you could feel so much more satisfied with that delicious doughnut dripping with icing for breakfast.

The thing about a healthy lifestyle and whether or not we can follow it is a very mental process. Here is a list of things you can do in order to rev-up that motivation, increasing your likelihood for reaching your personal health goals.

• Plan/cook your meals ahead of time: doing this and having it all ready to go (especially when you take them on the go in Tupperware etc) will remove your excuses like I was hungry and there was nothing around, I was in a hurry, etc. You also will likely eat this healthy food you make just so you don't waste it. This removes the stress of having to find food when you are hungry, because you already know what you're eating.
• Just put on the gym clothes and drive to the gym: Being there alone and seeing others working out will likely help motivate you to get a good workout in.
• Join a class: having other people around will put you in a competitive mode and you will work harder to keep up.
• Get an exercise buddy: someone who you can call when you need that extra push helps you and having someone to talk to helps pass the time.
• Sign up for a competition or race etc: Having a goal with a set date will encourage you to work hard to reach it.
• Try something new and exciting!: Running on a treadmill is not the only way to stay fit. If exercise is supposed to be a habit it may as well be doing something you enjoy! Find a sport or class that you like, that you want to succeed in and join! Here are a couple examples:
• Zumba (a Latin dance cardio class)
• Climbing
• Hiking
• Martial arts
• Team/club sports
• Skiing
• Community events etc like this snowshoe demo: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=147081068680249

There are different strategies for each individual. Find something that truly appeals to you and drives you. Reaching your goals is an amazing feeling of accomplishment, as I am sure you are aware, especially when you worked very hard to get to the checkpoint.