Get Ready for the Fittest Year of Your Life

Michael Bronco

Repeat after me: 2009 will be the fittest year of my life.  Now, say it again: 2009 will be the fittest year of my life.  No need to shout it.  Just mean it.  Again: 2009 will be the fittest year of my life.

 

Then, when you are done with this article write it down and post it where you’ll see it everyday.  For you guys, I suggest putting it somewhere near the remote.  And for the ladies, you might want to tape it to the visor in your car.  Or, better yet, you can ALL stick it on the fridge.

 

In the January issue, I’ll draw up a blue print of exactly how and what to do to help you to become the absolute fittest you have ever been.   In the meantime, we have some work to do.

 

If we are to be successful at this then we’ll need to change some habits, yes?  I call this preparing to train.  All my athletes do it – and so do I.  Consider it a kind of ritual to get the mind and body in agreement.  We need to toughen the skin and sharpen the mind a bit.  If you have distractions and aren’t fully primed for the challenge, then I’m afraid the best diet and fitness program in the world won’t amount to much at all.

 

And don’t let the holidays be an excuse.  This is the perfect time of year for habits and tendencies to change.  There is no hiding from what tempts you when you are surrounded by it.  And I’m not just talking about food here.  Being too busy is nothing more than a lame attempt at justifying mediocrity.  It stops today.

 

So, here goes.  Follow these five simple steps and I promise you’ll be on your way once and for all.  No more next year and I’ll get started tomorrow stuff.  Today is the day. 

 

1.  Record your diet.  Grab a small notepad and write down absolutely EVERYTHING you eat or drink for the next seven days.  And be completely honest with yourself.  Then look in the mirror – naked - and ask yourself a very important question: Is my diet consistent with my appearance?”   I’ll bet it is.  Now, don't throw your diet sheet away.  We'll need it down the road, so keep it in a safe place.

 

 2.  Slow down.  Eat slower and be sure to sit when you do.  Drive slower. Talk slower.  Take time out to notice your surroundings.  ENJOY a cup of coffee.  Don’t try to take on more than you can accomplish at one time.  And finally, slow down your workouts and be present.  Don’t rush through to try to get it done quickly.  If you only have fifteen minutes, fine.  Make it a quality fifteen minutes.

 

3.  Get organized.  Clean out closets and throw away clutter.  I have all my athletes do this before each training camp and I’ve done it with many non-athletes simply trying to lose weight.  If you have a clear home, you’ll have a clear mind.  Take a look at your schedule and simplify it.  My wife Holly has a client that she sees at six a.m., then comes home and prepares breakfast for five of us before getting the kids off to school!  So, the “I don’t have time to make toast and eggs" excuse doesn’t work with me.  Prioritize and get rid of what isn’t important.

 

4.  De-stress.  Take ten minutes each day to sit alone and do absolutely nothing.  No phone. No television or radio.  No reading.  And absolutely NO nibbling!  Just you alone for ten minutes.  Take long slow breaths and relax.  It takes time, but eventually you will be able to relax.  It’s a process.

 

5.  Ask for help.  Don’t kid yourself.  People really do want to help you.  But you have to ask.  Assuming that others know what you need isn’t going to get you anywhere.  And don’t jump on people for not getting it.  Sit down and simply ask for what you need.  Spell it out. I really need help with the groceries.  Can you please take this list and pick this stuff up at some point today?  Or, I am going for a run now.  Can you please watch the kids until I get back?  I guarantee you’ll have more help than you even need if you just ask.

6.  Eat an apple a day!  Studies on this are very convincing.  Those who eat apples on a daily basis are leaner and have lower overall blood sugar levels.  This could be completely anecdotal since folks who eat apples most likely make other positive lifestyle choices.  And that's precisely the point.  You might as well get started with something as simple as an apple.  Also, drink 8oz. of room temperature water every morning upon waking.  Before coffee!

So, there you have it.  Not what you expected is it?  Or, is it?  We all know what stops us from reaching our goals – we just need to admit it and start to do something about it.  Examine each of these steps fully and then make it a priority to do each one without compromise.  No baby steps.  In a year, you want to look back and say, Wow! What a great year!

 

The final step in this process will be to  take out that old seven day diet record that you put away in a safe place and review it again.  Then you’ll want to go over to a mirror and take a good look at yourself – naked - and ask, Is this diet consistent with my appearance?   

 

I'll bet it won't be.

 

See you at the beach…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Eat one ingredient foods

Get a headstart on your 2009 fittest year ever challenge and work on eating only foods with ONE ingredient.  And what are those foods?

Apples, fish, green beans, sweet potatoes, oats, chicken....get the idea?  Granola bars have more than one ingredent, so they're out!  So are energy bars, soft drinks, cereals, breads (with the exception of 100% whole grain) and it must say 100% - the word whole grain is not enough.

Of course, you can combine single ingredient foods anyway you'd like.  And don't worry about the amount just yet.  That will take care of itself.

 

 Hip flexor stretch for cyclists, runners, dancers and surfers.