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If you’ve ever started a new eating or fitness plan, you’ll know that sticking to the goals you’ve set is often the hard part. They key is to build healthy habits that become a regular part of your lifestyle. Follow these seven proven strategies and you’ll be hitting those targets in no time!
Khloe Kardashian achieved long-term weight loss by resetting old habits (Image: Getty)
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Changing longtime habits is hard – so don’t beat yourself up over that empty packet of Tim Tams or exercise plan you haven’t quite managed to stick to. Remember every moment is a fresh start and it’s OK to cut yourself some slack every now and then. Self-compassion also means doing things you enjoy, so if you hate running switch to something you like – such as swimming – instead.
Mindfulness is key for Julianne Hough (Image: Instagram/juleshough)
DITCH UNHELPFUL THOUGHTS
You may have heard of limiting beliefs – those annoying things we tell ourselves like, “This is too hard” or “I can’t lose weight”. These thoughts can burrow their way deep into your psyche and prevent you from reaching your goals. Stop sabotaging yourself – learn to identify these thoughts when they occur and replace them with positive truths like “I am strong, capable and worthy”.
A positive approach helped Kate Hudson to shed her baby weight (Image: Instagram/katehudson)
FIND A MENTOR
Sticking to any kind of plan is a whole lot easier when you know someone has your back, so enlist support from someone you trust. It may be a friend or family member. Or you could join a program like WW, where you’ll be part of a support group and can speak to a coach to help you set and keep to your goals.
Khloe’s favourite workout bud is her sister Kourtney! (Image: Instagram/khloekardashian)
LEARN AND GROW
Many of us have fixed ideas about what we can and can’t do, but having a growth mindset teaches us that everyone is capable of change. Setbacks are an opportunity to learn, so if you packed on an unwanted kilo or two over Easter, it’s an opportunity to identify what kind of behaviours you can change.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s approach to health and fitness is constantly evolving (Image: Instagram/gwynethpaltrow)
GET INTO THE HABIT
Real long-term success comes from making consistent changes to our lifestyle. Maybe gaining a new skill like cooking will enable you to prepare affordable and healthy meals. Perhaps going to bed a little earlier each night will mean you can exercise in the morning. The key is to make changes that you can easily sustain, so they’ll eventually become a way of life.
Make exercise a regular part of your day (like Jessica Biel) and it will become second nature! (Image: Intagram/jessicabiel)
BE SMART ABOUT GOALS
Most of us have goals we want to achieve, but identifying why they are important to us is a powerful factor in staying focused and motivated. Instead of saying, ‘My goal is to go the gym more’, tell yourself, ‘When I exercise consistently I feel better and have more energy.’ You’ll be much more likely to stick to your routine.
Exercise gives Victoria’s Secret model Nadine Leopold confidence (Image: Instagram/nadineleopold)
MAKE APPS YOUR FRIEND
Need a bit of extra help? From meditation apps to food planners, there are so many ways you can use technology to stay on track. WW
has an app that members can use to access a coach 24/7 for advice on anything from food to exercise to motivation. WW also partner with Headspace, so you can practise meditation anytime, anywhere.
