We are almost at the end of January now and 2018 is well underway. So what has become of our New Years resolutions and goals that we enthusiastically set ourselves at the beginning of the month? January is known for being a bit of an ‘anti-climax’ month. The celebrations of Christmas and New Years eve are well are truly behind us, the weather is horrible and we are all feeling a bit heavier on the scales but lighter in the pocket after all the Christmas excess. With the cold, dark mornings and evenings it’s all too easy to want to avoid the gym sessions that we promised ourselves that we would stick to. So how do we stay motivated when it comes to our health and Fitness goals? And how can we play a part in helping and encouraging others with theirs aswell?
This post is part of a collaboration with Superdrug and I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to try some of their new health and wellness products from their ‘Some Body’ range.’New research from Superdrug has revealed that for 6 out of 10 Brits a simple compliment in January is the way to stay motivated with New Year goals, with 88% believing more compliments need to be given in January than any other month to encourage, inspire and motivate during the bleak, cold winter.’ This research definitely applies to me, and one thing that has really helped with my fitness progress is setting up an Instagram account where I document my progress. By following others who are also on their own fitness journeys it creates a supporting and motivating community feel. I personally believe that taking progress photographs is the best way to measure how far you have come when getting into fitness, particularly if you are doing resistance training. As I have discussed in other posts building muscle does not always show itself as a decrease in weight on the scale, but you will be able to see your Body changing and getting leaner in photographs.
When I get comments complimenting my body changing on Instagram it really gives me that boost of motivation to continue. Dr Becky Spelman, Registered practitioner, Psychologist and member of the BABCP states that “When it comes to getting fit, losing weight or focusing on our health positive acknowledgement is very useful. Hearing that we are looking good from people, and that the time and effort we have invested in our health is bearing fruit, actually spurs us on to do even more.” Making that effort to commend others for their progress and saying how good they look, whatever stage of their fitness journey they are, is such a simple thing to do but it really could make a huge difference to how that person feels. I always make an effort to give compliments, getting fit is not a competition. The only person that we should be competing with is ourselves, to be a better person than we were yesterday. Of course this doesn’t just apply to social media, it applies to our friends and family and even strangers. Maybe somebody that you see often at the gym or your favourite fitness class. Why not just let them know that you can see them making progress? It’s such an easy thing to do and you could completely change their day for the better.
I have been trying some of the products from the Some Body range and incorporating them into my diet is helping me to stay on track with my goals. The first product that I have tried is the Some Body Protein Pancake Mix. I believe a good breakfast is the best way to start the day and I personally cannot get the best out of my workout if it’s on an empty stomach so these pancakes provide a great morning energy boost and a hit of protein to aid in muscle recovery and maintenance. Each 50g portion as made up contains just 182kcals and provides a hit of 16g of protein, plus they taste great.
The next product I have tried is the Some Body Chocolate Protein Powder. This contains 111kcals made up as instructed with water as a shake and provides 19g of protein. It’s also great in porridge to make “proats” (protein oats) and makes a good snack when you are craving a chocolate fix. There are different flavours aside from chocolate in the range and they would also work really well in smoothies.
The last product that I have been trying is the Some Body Sweet and Salty Popcorn. I am a real ‘snacker’ and I find that if I don’t have a supply of low-calorie snacks to hand then I am liable to devour entire packs of biscuits! This popcorn is great for filling the gap between lunch and dinner or in the evening in front of the TV. The sweet and salty flavour is dairy and Gluten free, vegan and high in fibre. Per 25g pack there is just 116kcals and the fact that it is sweet and salty flavour means it can provide that sweet fix that we all need sometimes.
So as we continue into 2018 lets revamp our New Years resolutions and make them about not just being fitter and healthier but also about being better people. Not being afraid to compliment and support others and provide the encouragement that might just completely change how somebody feels about themselves for the better!
Jess xox
