Fit Happens
One of the things that really helped me reach my health goals when I was first starting out was keeping a fitness log. That may sound cumbersome and boring, but stick with me here.
As humans, we have a unique ability to lie to ourselves. We can easily tell ourselves that we are giving our best effort, eating healthy and working out consistently. Really, you can trick your brain into believing anything you want it to (read more about the soundtrack of your mind HERE). This is why so many people end up frustrated because they feel like they're doing their best and not seeing results, but are they really? Where's the proof? If you look the same and feel the same, chances are that you're not making any progress on your goals, and there's an even greater chance that it's because you're not being as consistent as you keep telling yourself you are.
**If you feel offended right now, it's probably because I'm right, so keep reading**
How a fitness log can help
Keeping track of everything that you eat and what workouts you're doing will not only keep you consistent, but it will keep you honest. When you're reaching for that donut or you're tempted to skip you're workout, you'll not only have to deal with the guilt of throwing yourself off track, but you'll have to write it down.
Now, the log is based completely on the honor system. No one is going to come to your house and arrest you if you write lies in there, but doing so would be pointless. You won't feel good about yourself looking back on the previous week's entries if you know you made it all up. Personally, I couldn't even bring myself to write a lie down. For me, working out has never been the issue. Food is my weakness (especially the sugary variety), so my internal dialogue would go something like this...
Mmmm I really want to eat that donut
I could just eat ONE, right?
Wrong. I have zero willpower and I will eat a second one...
But then I'd have to write it in the journal.
I mean, I could just NOT write it in there...but I'll know. I'll know and the journal will know, and then I might as well throw the whole journal away because it's just full of lies!
Ok...I'll leave the donut....
I would work out and eat right just to avoid the guilt that I felt the journal was looking at me with (yes, I know journals don't actually talk, but you get my point). You ever add something you just did to your to-do list just so that you could have something to cross off? That's kind of what the log will do for you. It'll make you feel accomplished, it'll keep you honest, and it'll help you see where you need to improve.
You can't argue with facts, and the fitness log is meant to show you cold, hard facts about your journey.
Do I have to write EVERYTHING down?
Absolutely.
Where do I find a fitness log anyway?
My favorite is one by Fitlosophy called Fit Happens. I like it because it's not just a fitness journal. This one has a space to:
Write 3 things you're grateful for
Set a goal for the day
Write 1 thing you appreciate about your body
Track your workout, diet, and mood for the day
A full page to use however you want (I journal about changes in my body, sleep, energy, etc.)
It also has a fun fact and a fitness/journey quote on each daily page to keep you informed and motivated.
If you're frustrated with your lack of progress, or you are just now thinking of taking your health journey more seriously, you really should keep a journal/log. It's an extremely helpful practice, especially when you're trying to be more consistent.
