Making Movement Matter - Days 18 and 19 - Cut the Sugar, Raise the Beats

We're heading into the 3rd full week of the year and it's about now that motivations start to wane. New habits seem 'less shiny' and appealing and old habits seem easier and more comfortable. 

My theme this last few days has been about stability, and it's over this next few days that that new habit will start to stabilise if you stick with it. Even if you've gone off track a little bit you can get back and stay on track if you stick with it a little bit longer. It can take 28 days for a new habit to become the norm, so don't lose heart or resolve, keep going and it'll get easier!

If you're looking for some inspiration to improve general energy levels and feel good factor then for days 18 and 19 I'm giving you a couple of focuses for the week.

DAY 18:
Can you reduce your processed sugar intake for the week?
So, if you take sugar in your drinks, can you at least half it (or cut it out completely). Cut out any fizzy sugar or fruit juices that have added sugar (I'll leave the issue of aspartame for another day!). Look at food labels and cut out anything that has sugar high up the ingredients list, or has a high proportion of carbohydrates which sugar. Cut out the obvious ones (you know which ones I'm talking about!)...

DAY 19: 
How much are you lifting your heart rate through activity in the week. Can you move for at least 30 minutes a day at an increased level of exertion above your normal resting level. This will mean different things for all of us, and if you are already doing this then pat yourself on the back. Things which may lift your heart rate are: fast walking or walking up hills, swimming, running, cycling, dancing, vigorous housework (if you like to multi-task!), trampolining.... If it's something that you enjoy or find fun then it'll be easier to motivate yourself.

If you're struggling to keep motivated then I'd love to hear from you and if I can help then I will smile emoticon