Let's start applying the new year resolutions!

Dear readers, we’re finally back after all the holiday madness.

Around this time of the year, we’re full of new resolutions, low on cash, have some post-holiday blues, as well as a lot to worry about for the New Year.

Today, let’s give a thought to our New Years resolutions, andhow to pick reasonable plans with regards to health and fitness. I will not promise you that you will be Adriana Lima by the beginning of the summer. I will not promise you that you will be the healthiest of your friends. What I hope to teach you is self-improvement on your level, and most importantly, living without guilt on your journey to fitness and health.

Rule No. 1: Exercising progressively

When it comes to exercising, and post-holiday resolutions, we always aim for the impossible. We start by wanting to exercise almost every day of the week for at least 1 hour, and end up exhausted and in pain after week 1 or week 2; which makes us lose our drive after a short while. Why don’t you start according to your fitness level? If you haven’t moved your ass in a really long time, start by scheduling a work out twice a week. It doesn’t need to be overly intense since you are a “beginner”. If you are already used to exercising, then add a few sessions or increase the level of fitness, and find some way to make them fit into your schedule. You are less likely to give up if your exercising schedule is compatible with your lifestyle and fitness level. For instance, I’m not a morning person; I will never be able to sustain a morning jog, so I keep it till the afternoon.

Rule No. 2: Aim at healthy and not skinny

Please girls, don’t stick the picture of a model on your fridge to motivate you to lose weight, and most importantly, don’t aimtowards anyone’s body! First, getting as skinny as a model is not healthy (it’s no scoop). Second, not all bodies are designed to be skinny. Aim for healthy, fit, and muscular; it will be easier to obtain and maintain, plus it will never make you look or feel sick. Write down your goal, and put small reminders somewhere, so that you don’t forget what you are after.

Rule No. 3: Listen to your body

Sometimes, you just need a break and it’s no shame! You may have been able to work out as much as you planned to, stuck to your diet plan perfectly, and then comes the day where you feel like having a burger and munching in front of TV. On that particular day, don’t overdramatize, don’t fill yourself with guilt feelings, just give yourself a break on that day, and tomorrow you’ll be back on track. One cheat meal won’t waste all yourefforts!

Rule No. 4: Frustration is your diet’s number 1 killer

The problem with dieting, especially after the holidays, is that you are coming back from wonderland, and going straight to the military service with no transition period, and no time to adapt. You go back to work and bury your social life, along a very restrictive food menu. How long can one remain deprived of the many joys of life? Not so long actually. I’m not suggesting letting go completely and forgetting about your health, but rather, having a daily treat. For example, if you are a carb lover, don’t go on a high protein diet! Have your piece of bread daily, or your little piece of chocolate. It doesn’t fit into your ideal plan? Never mind, it will allow you to sustain your weight loss plan for longer, since you are satisfied. You adore snacking in front of TV at night, well; allow yourself a bowl of fat free pop corn, instead of hating carrots and salads after a few days. You hate to work out every morning? Allow yourself a morning inbed, and enjoy your coffee quietly. Be flexible, and let your resolutions be bliss and not a nightmare.

Any extra tips that you think might be helpful? Share them with us!