Weight loss, weight maintenance and a balanced diet go hand in hand...

However whilst most people know this, actually getting to grips with it and doing it can be two totally different things!

Once you’ve committed to getting into shape, there are several things you can do to ensure you achieve your short and long term fitness goals and more importantly are able to keep you motivated in the long term.

Here are some simple hints and tips to help you stay on the path to fitness and wellbeing.

Do:

• Write it down! Putting your fitness and health goals down on paper can have such a profound effect. By keeping a record of your goals and achievements you are much more likely to stick to your new and healthy fitness program , if you can see your progress written down.
• Choose an activity you enjoy! Not having fun is the quickest way to losing motivation.
• Aim to eat a well balanced and varied diet of foods that also includes plenty vegetables and fruit... when you're getting fit, it's important to remember to fuel your body with the best nutrition to sustain and nourish you and keep you going!
• Balance out your meals so you are eating at regular intervals throughout the day - this will help avoid any dips in energy and keep you energised throughout the day.
• Always check with your G.P before embarking on any fitness programme, particularly if you are struggling with any specific health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes for example.
• Establish where your fitness level is before starting your exercise program. By doing so, you’ll be not only be able to see where you want to get to but also plan the activities to get you fittest for health.. .
• Work out regularly to maximize the benefits you’ll reap from a consistent fitness routine.
• Always stretch before and after your exercise routine.
• Make sure that you exercise programme is as varied as your diet... Remember variety is the spice of life so remember to diversify your workout routine Doing the same exercises day in day out, will mean you're more likely to
• Stay motivated - If you can work out with a friend, this will help keep you motivated whilst having fun and socialising!
• Keep healthy snacks available at all times. You’re less likely to grab junk food if you've already prepared some delicious snacks.

Don’t:

• OVER DO IT! Try doing too much at once will not only burn you out but potentially put you off continuing your activity programme.
• OVER DO IT! Remember your body needs time to recover in between workouts and punishing yourself at the outset is the quickest way to ruin your new momentum.
• Skip breakfast! Remember eating breakfast will jump start your metabolism and provide you with the energy you need to get through the day.
• Forget to stretch - keeping those muscles supple will help you avoid injury. 
• Underestimate the power of sleep - so skimp on this at your peril 
• Set unrealistic goals. A healthy rate of weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Any quicker than this and you are losing mostly water and muscle mass!
• Expect the weight to come off overnight ..... the weight didn't get there overnight and the same applies to getting it off again - Set unrealistic goals and you’ll set yourself up for disappointment.
• Compare your successes and failures to others. Everyone is different, and what works for some may not work for others.  
• Give up! Getting fit has so many benefits! Remember to look at your journal to remind yourself why you're doing what you're doing!
• Go it alone - get support from your friends and family or join other like-minded people and talk it through it's amazing how a quick chat with a supportive friend can friend spur you on.
• Forget to reward yourself when you achieve your goals!

Remember you can also get more active around the house!

Day to day activities at home can really help you get fit

Shopping

Carrying bags of shopping is a mini work out in itself - if it's too far to get your shopping home, then make sure you carry the bags to the car and park it at the far end of the supermarket.

Ditch the lift

Use the stairs and not the lift - whether you're at home, work or at the shopping centre using the stairs is a great way to get active whilst going about your daily life.

Hanging out your washing 

If you go for the genuine scent by actually hanging your clothes out to dry, it's amazing how much energy you can burn calories just by doing the chores, You'll not only save on energy consumption but you'll save money on the electricity bills and get some exercise in at the same time. 

Cook dinner from scratch 

In just 15-45 minutes you can whip up an amazing dinner with lots of healthy veggies and whole grains, and you can burn at least 126 calories while you’re at it. If you have kids, get them involved. They’re great at measuring, mixing, and setting the table—plus learning how to cook wholesome foods will set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. 

Wash your dishes by hand

Ditch the dishwasher for a while - Just 30 minutes of dishwashing burns 70 calories! If you’re home alone, turn on some music and make it fun. You'll save money on your electric bill and get a mini work out all at the same time

Hand wash the car!

Washing the car by hand is a great way to get in some exercise...so next time you're passing the car wash keep driving - get the kids involved and have some fun at the same time as saving your pennies!

Playtime with the kids

Whether its a kick around in the park, or going with them to the playground - having fun with the kids is a great way to get fit and have some fun at the same time!

Walking the dog

Walking the dog is one of the easiest way to get some fresh air and get fit all at the same time - if you're feeling really generous or don't have a dog of your own help a neighbour with dog walking duties.

Remember the number one rule for a successful fitness and healthy eating programme is enjoyment - you need to enjoy the variety of foods you are eating and you also need to enjoy the activities you are doing !

It doesn't have to be conventional either - Try roller blading, salsa dancing, aqua aerobics, rounders in the park with some friends or getting on your bike for a ride out with the family!

So whatever you're doing keep doing it !

But most of all make sure it's fun!