1) Struggling to find time to workout? Schedule your workouts as you would any appointment in your day planner.
Try to schedule your workouts at the same time every day so it becomes as natural of a habit as waking up and brushing your teeth.
2) Struggling with nightly cravings? Some studies link these cravings to natural drops in serotonin levels as the day progresses.
You can combat these cravings by taking a 20 minute afternoon walk.
It doesn't have to be intense.
It doesn't have to mean two trips to the gym.
Just put on your sneakers, plug in your Ipod, and enjoy getting some fresh air while you refocus on your priorities.
You'll find that when you come home, the cravings will have passed.
3) Prepare your food ahead of time so when you're hungry, you're not searching through your fridge, foraging for food.
It's far easier to succumb to temptation when your stomach is growling.
Instead, always have snacks on hand and don't be afraid to bring your healthy snacks with you wherever you go.
Many companies are now making stylish, easily portable coolers, which are great to take with you on the go.
4) Don't have time to prepare your meals daily? Most people don't.
Prepare in bulk.
Once a week (Sundays are great for this) prepare foods like chicken, turkey, fish, veggies, brown rice, and sweet potatoes.
You can also cut up some fresh salads or make your own salad dressings.
Prepare foods you eat on a daily basis.
You can even pre-portion it out and place in Tupperware.
Do you snack throughout the day? There's no reason you can't prepare your snacks the same way too! It's best to place food in the freezer if it's not eaten after four days.
5) When goal setting, be sure to set both short-term and long term goals.
Your long term goal can be a major one, but setting short-term goals will help you recognize the progress you're making.
Each time you achieve a certain milestone, reward yourself.
The key here is NOT rewarding yourself with food.
Instead, buy yourself a new book, CD, workout clothes, a hot pair of sneakers, a new dress, or even a swimsuit.
You can also give yourself extra incentives like "If I get to the gym every morning for two weeks, I'll buy myself a new CD," or "If I am 100% on all meals for a month, I can get a pedicure or facial.
" 6) Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get it all done? If you workout in the morning, shower the night before and go to bed wearing your fresh pair of gym clothes for the next morning.
That could give you an 15 extra minutes of cardio.
Workout in the afternoon? Bring your gym clothes with you and a snack to eat before your workout.
Head straight to the gym after your day at the office.
It'll save you gas too! 7) Struggling to stay on plan at the office? Post motivational sticky notes throughout your cubicle.
They can be quotes or your own sayings - just something to remind you of the commitment you made to bettering yourself.