The First Step is the Hardest

Isn't that a lyric from a song or something? We're pretty sure it is. Although, it's possible that we have it mixed up with something else. Regardless it is pretty much the truth. Starting on a healthier lifestyle is difficult and if you don't know where to start it can be completely overwhelming.

Luckily, we both had our sports backgrounds to fall back on when we started but if you don't have that like we did then hopefully this will help you out a bit.

1) COMMITMENT: Make sure you are really ready to make the change. This isn't going to be an easy journey, and you are going to hate your life sometimes. Trust me when you are hangry and all you want is that doughnut in the break room (this is currently happening FYI) you are going to question why you are even doing this. While it is okay to give in every once in a while you need to be really committed or you won't continue.

2) MORAL SUPPORT: Enlist someone to do it with you or at least help keep you on the path. For us we had the support of each other and most of our families. If those around you aren't on board they may be sabotaging you without even knowing it. Tegan's roommate has never had to worry about her calorie intake and cooks like it, while Andrea's husband is able to eat whatever he wants, when ever he wants without gaining a pound. Had we been left with just the two of them we would have fallen off the wagon in week one. Luckily after several vent sessions to each other and a little "training" of those in our lives they are more aware of what they are doing.

3) ACCOUNTABILITY: Find a way to hold your self accountable. We both use the myfitnesspal app to track what we are eating and a Fitbit to count our steps during the day. Each of these are a great way for us to know what we are actually doing during the day. Both are just tools, you have to be the one to ultimatly log everything and be truthful about it. This can actually be one of the hardest parts. The great things about Myfitnesspal is that it will set your calorie intake for you based on your current weight, how much you want to lose per week and how active you are.

4) DOCTOR: We highly recommend that before you start anything you consult with your doctor, especially if it has been a while since you have done any physical exercise. For us there is no way we could have done any of what we have done without our doctors. Both of us have spent several appointments talking with our doctors about what we found while doing research, what someone suggested to us or even what the other ones doctor told her. They were basically on speed dial for us! We owe a lot of our success to the patience they had with us, answering all our crazy questions and really for their overall encouragement. If you don't have a doctor or don't have a doctor you feel you can walk through all this with we highly recommend that you fine one. They are invaluable in this process!

5) EXERCISE: Let's us be frank, exercise can a little intimidating to anyone starting out. But it really can be so many things that are easy. One of the biggest things we've heard during this process is "I'll never be able to run" or "I can't work out." Let us tell you that you CAN! Exercise includes walking, running, swimming, exercise classes, videos, jump rope, lifting weights etc. You need to find something you enjoy and can commit to with your life. Both of us started with trying to hit our 10,000 steps on our Fitbit daily, just by adding walking. There were more than a couple nights we found ourselves walking by our beds while watching TV just to hit our steps for the day. Start EASY then add on later, you don't want to do too much to fast and burn yourself out. We would recommend a small daily activity of exercise but commit to at least three days a week. Put this in your schedule, then you won't have an excuse to not do it.  There will be more on exercise later, but right now start with "I CAN, I WILL!"

6) FOOD: Right now focus on meeting the calorie intake you are attempting to meet. Eat them all and try not to go over. If you aren't putting enough calories in you body each day it will actually work against you. We know this sounds counterproductive but it's the truth. Certain apps (Myfitnesspal) will help you come up with a good amount of calories for your goals or talk to your doctor about this. Later we will focus on the importance of fiber and protein intake, but for now get into the routine of keeping track of your food intake. If you go over your calories don't freak out! We've down it on numerous occasions, you aren't expected to be perfect every single day. Remember if you aren't seeing results, an evaluation on what you are eating might be helpful! One of our biggest mistakes was taking random bites here and there but but not adding it to our caloric intake. Being honest on what you are eating is key, if you aren't then don't be surprised when you don't see the numbers on the scale do down. Don't withhold food from yourself, it can make you fail, but refer back to ACCOUNTABILITY!

7) SMILE: Smile and give yourself a pat on the back for taking the first step in a healthy lifestyle. This isn't about weight loss, though that might be your goal, it's about being healthy and being able to make this a lifestyle!

Remember, You've got this!

The Fitster Sisters