Hey there Auburn / Opelika fitness nerds!
I’ve been coaching in the fitness space for 12 years now, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Here are 12 of my best tips—the same things we work on with our own clients:
1. Limit Drinking Your Calories
Try to avoid drinking your calories unless it’s a protein shake. Ditch sugary drinks like sweet tea, soda, and energy drinks. They can add a lot of unnecessary calories without making you feel full.
2. Eat Protein at Every Meal
Aim to have meals built around protein 3-4 times a day. Make sure there’s some form of quality protein in your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Protein helps build muscle, burn fat, and keep you feeling full longer.
3. Be More Active
Increase your daily activity by going on more walks and getting more steps in. Simple changes like taking the stairs or parking farther away can make a big difference.
4. Lift Weights
I cannot emphasize this enough—your body needs resistance training if you want it to last. Lifting weights helps build and maintain muscle mass, improve bone density, and boost metabolism.
5. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is essential, maybe the most important aspect of health. Aim for 7-9 hours per night. Pick a consistent bedtime and stick to it. Quality sleep aids recovery, reduces stress, and supports overall well-being.
6. Avoid Distracted Eating
No phone or TV when you eat. Distracted eating leads to mindless eating. Instead, focus on your meal and connect with the people around you.
7. Stay Hydrated
Divide your body weight in half, and drink that many ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water daily. Proper hydration is crucial for overall health and energy levels.
8. Track Your Calories
If possible, track your calorie intake. You don’t have to do it forever, but understanding exactly what you’re putting into your body can help you make healthier choices.
9. Cut Down on Alcohol
Reduce alcohol consumption. You don’t need a drink (or three) every night. Regular alcohol intake can negatively impact sleep, weight loss, and overall health.
10. Aim for Adequate Protein Intake
Try to consume between 0.7-1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. Most people don’t eat enough protein, which is essential for muscle growth and maintenance.
11. Practice Moderation
Don’t eliminate all the foods you love. It’s okay to enjoy treats like cake once in a while. Moderation is key to a sustainable and enjoyable healthy lifestyle.
12. Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Your journey is unique. Learn to appreciate your progress, and in a year’s time, you’ll see how much you’ve transformed. Focus on your goals and celebrate your achievements.
Conclusion
Remember: It’s never a bad time to start, but it’s always a bad time to not start. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine and see how they can transform your health and well-being.
Keep moving… Stay moving… Stay healthy!
In good health,
Cam Peavy & The Infinity Team