Getting the basics right is the key to achieving success in anything.
The basics change dependant on what your goal is.
Setting the right goal is the key.
To be cheesy, too many people work so hard to climb to the top of the ladder to realise that they have been climbing the wrong ladder.
Anything weight loss related needs to focus on a few key areas.
Hydration.
If you’re not hydrated, your body simply doesn’t work as well as it should. It doesn’t matter if you don’t “like” water; be a grown up and drink it, ideally with a tiny pinch of good quality salt in.
Calories / getting your numbers right.
It’s important to track your calories, at least for a few weeks, and tracking your progress. If you don’t track and your weight doesn’t change, you don’t know where to make the changes.
The number My Fitness Pal or other calculator gives you might not be the right one for you. Speak to somebody who can actually help you see what is happening.
Movement / exercise.
Find something you enjoy doing and do it often. Willpower has an expiry date, have you noticed you don’t need willpower to do the things you enjoy.
I’m lucky, some of my favourite activities have the side effect of increased fitness.
Sleep quality.
Having a consistent sleep cycle has a massive affect over your ability to function well and your day to day energy levels. As a bare minimum get up at the same time every day.
There is zero point taking supplements or having a gym membership if you can’t be consistent with the above.
I’ll write a little more about each one over the next few days.
Darren “Basic” Checkley
