Where to Start

When it comes to weightloss, diet, and fitness, one of the most common questions that I get is "Where do I start?"

To be honest, there is no right way to start-as long as you do it. It is true though that the beginning of your fitness journey is the hardest part. 

Why? Finding that motivation is what it's all about.

Starting for someone else may be completely different than starting for yourself. After all, we are all created and programmed completely differently. However, I will share with you a little on how I personally got started.

Back in 2010, I was an overweight, nursing school graduate who loved Burger King & Chil-Fil-A and didn't dare step one foot inside a gym. I had zero motivation to live healthy and honestly I didn't think much about it because I had zero reason to... Until I realized that my jeans made me feel uncomfortable. Funny how an outfit can do that for ya! But this was the motivation that I needed to really begin.

Another form of motivation? Tagging along on a photoshoot with two of my friends-one being a photographer and the other being the model and getting to watch. I kept thinking to myself, "WOW! What I would give to have Andrea's body." She was gorgeous, slender, and vegetarian so I figured maybe she knew a little more than I did about health. She mentioned a popular documentary for me to watch called FOOD INC. on Netflix. I went home, watched it, and it changed the way I pictured food and diet for the rest of my life. I emptied out my pantry and went grocery shopping for healthier foods and thus my journey began.

I realize it isn't so simple for everyone though. In order to start, ask yourself why you want to begin? It it to look better? Is it to feel better? Is it to wear cuter clothing? Is it for your self esteem? Whatever it is, own it!

The next bit of advice that I have for you is focusing on one thing at a time. So much goes into diet and fitness that it tends to get confusing. First and foremost, work on cleaning up your diet. That's right-no more fast foods, packaged goods, and sugary sweets! Aim for natural, organic, or raw foods in their most original state. This will take some time to accomplish and do not feel bad if you slip up here & there. I did, and I used those slip ups to reassure myself that I would try harder the next time. I recommend purchasing my clean eating recipe booklet of fun, new recipes to try!

Once you have been eating clean for 3 months or so, start adding in a workout regimine to your daily routine. Ideally, you should focus on working out for either 5 days per week for 30 minutes of moderate activity daily or 3 days per week for 45 minutes at a vigorous pace. Find what mode of exercise works best for you and don't forget to split your time with cardio and weights-both work hand in hand and one should never be preferred over the other, unless your doctor says no. Check out my 7 day workout guide for more!

While continuing on your clean eating and fitness journey, you will constantly need motivation so never stop searching for things to motivate you. Whether it is a new, cute workout outfit or images of your favorite fitness model, just keep going! Also, do not be afraid to change up your workout routine and try new healthy recipes to keep yourself from getting bored.

Remember to not beat yourself up-you are human and you are learning. If you fail, do better and never give up.