How to Develop a Realistic Nutrition and Exercise Plan

Steps

1. Consider your lifestyle and find a diet and fitness exercise program that works into your routine.  

Map out your daily schedule and look for places in that schedule that would allow for a regular fitness exercise program. For some, that might mean hitting the gym before or after work, while others might have time to get in a workout during their lunch hour.

 2. Create healthy goals so you can design a nutrition and fitness program that helps you meet those goals more efficiently. 

For some, this might mean a weight loss program that includes a low-calorie diet and fat-burning exercise plan. Other may focus on eliminating sugar and fats from their diet to better manage their cholesterol and blood sugar levels. When you know why you want to develop a nutrition and exercise plan, it will be much easier to create a program that is customized to your needs.

3. Plan your meals ahead of time, so you aren't running to the store or a fast food restaurant at the last minute. 

Choose a few healthy recipes that your family likes and are quick to prepare and rotate those dishes throughout your week. Most families find that around 10 recipes in their repertoire meets their desire for variety and their need for convenience in the kitchen.

4. Vary your workouts as well as your nutrition plan, to prevent boredom with your exercise program. 

Create more than 1 workout program to allow for variety in your routine. For example, 1 week you might work out on the treadmill and machines at the gym, and the next week you might walk with friends or take bike rides with your family. The variety also provides a more thorough workout overall.

5. Keep your changes small and work in more healthy nutrition and fitness habits gradually so the changes to your routine do not become overwhelming. 

For example, you might implement a fitness exercise program that only takes 20 minutes a day to complete at the beginning. You can gradually increase the time as daily exercise becomes a habit. To make nutritional changes, try substituting 1 unhealthy food with a more nutritious option. When that becomes a part of your routine, make another switch until you have replaced most of your less nutritious food choices with healthier ones.

Tips

Before making any changes to your nutrition or fitness program, talk to your doctor. This ensures you establish a plan that meets your specific needs and is safe for your body.