We’re excited to announce the launch of Ask a Coach, where we will be fielding questions about your health and fitness outside the Shop. Questions will remain anonymous, so feel free to ask us anything. The coaches will sort through your questions and pick one to answer on the blog on the reg. You can either enter your question in the comments section below or send them to info@danesbodyshop.com.

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Dear Coaches,

I know I want to make a change to a new healthy outlook on life, but I don’t know where to begin! Do you have any advice on how to start eating clean and working out (without burning out in a month)?

New Year, New Me

 
Dear New Year New Me,

I’m glad to hear you’re going for it this year! Revamping your whole life style is no joke. I know how tough it can be in those early days. Here are some tricks that I found useful:

Start Small. Rather than planning out a complete overhaul, choose to change your current health situation in realistic increments. Although a complete 180 is the best option, it certainly isn’t the easiest to keep up. Sit less when you’re at home, change one meal a day, go to the gym one more day each week, throw out the junk food at home, get one more hour of sleep, go shopping for groceries more often.

Think Lifestyle, Not Diet. A lifestyle is an everyday thing, while a diet tends to have a beginning and end. Set yourself up for that long-haul success with a lifetime of healthy decisions. A change in perspective can help you make better decisions moment by moment. What does a new lifestyle look like? Try any one of these items to kickstart some new habits.

Be Accountable. Feeling alone can derail any progress, so set up a support system to keep you on track. Your friend, partner, or spouse can be great coaches when you’re faced with making a decision that could have negative impact on your health. Cook with this person, workout with this person, go out to eat with this person and yes, it’s okay to BE THAT PERSON.

Relax. At the end of the day don’t beat yourself up if you mess up a little here and there. Remind yourself of your goals, and remember one day you’ll be glad you indulged from time to time. Hey, we’re only human!

If all of this still sounds unrealistic to you, remember we start our Inspire30 on February 1st, where we provide the outside-of-the-shop accountability that many of us need in the wellness and diet departments. Get signed up with your Shop buds and let’s get 2015 off to a good start!

Keep up the good work!

Coach Andrew

If you have a question for the coaches, or if you want to find out more about Inspire 30, email info@danesbodyshop.com!