When it comes to health and fitness, I hear excuses all the time. “I don’t have time to make healthy food at home.” “I don’t have time to workout.” “I can’t afford to eat healthy.” “I’m too tired after my long day at work to go to the gym.” And the list goes on. I have compiled the most common excuses that I hear when it comes to fitness and have given you solutions for them. So after you read this, I don't want to hear any oppositions to starting your new healthy lifestyle - all I want to see is you working toward reaching your goals.
So let's get straight into it..
“I can’t afford healthy and organic foods.” OR “Fast food is cheaper.”
Yes, buying organic foods are more expensive, but don’t you agree that the price is worth a healthy body that you’re also comfortable and happy in? Plus, you won’t have to pay for all of those future doctors bills from health problems caused by eating fast food. If you buy the right items, your groceries may even cost less than eating out all the time. I personally have saved money from eating most of my foods at home. I buy mainly fresh produce, which is inexpensive if you go to the right store.
“I don’t have time to make my own food.”
If you have time to drive to a restaurant, order and eat food – or even pick up food, eat it then drive home then you certainly have the time to prepare a simple meal at home. Why? If you make your food at home, then you won’t be spending time driving in your car or waiting for your food, you will be spending that time preparing it instead. If you take 2 hours out of one day to go grocery shopping and meal prep once a week, all you have to do throughout the week is microwave your food! Side note: if you eat raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts, then it will even take less time than ordering or picking up food from a restaurant since all you have to do is wash the food. You don’t even have to spend time cooking!
“I don’t have time to workout.”
We are all busy. If your health and/or getting that body that you want is a priority, then you will make time to fit in your workout. There are 24 hours in day, 1 hour of physical activity is only 4% of it! Even if all you can do is 20 or 30 minutes in a day, then fine, at least you did something. Even those little amounts of time add up and get you closer to reaching your goals!
Also, let me just add in the fact that I work 12-14 hour days on most days of the week and I still am able to fit in my workout. If I can do it, so can you!
“I’m too tired.”
Early morning: Waking up an hour earlier to get your workout in may not sound fun. Set your alarm, lay out your workout clothes, have breakfast ready to eat, and GO WORKOUT. Once you get used it you’ll thrive off of your morning workouts. Exercise in the morning will increase your metabolism for the day, give you a burst of energy that’s better than coffee, and put you in a great mood.
Afternoon/Night: Many of us are exhausted after a long day at work or at school, and going to the gym seems like the last thing that you want to do, but I promise after you get through that workout you will actually have more energy and will be in a better mood than you were before. Exercise releases endorphins in your brain, which make you feel happy and energized. No matter what time of the day you get your exercise in, you’ll be so glad that you did it EVERY SINGLE TIME! Plus, you will sleep so much better and feel more rested the next day.
All in all, excuses are just stepping stones that lead you to nowhere. Constantly using excuses won't get you to the destination that you want to go to, and in this case making excuses will not help you get closer to achieving your fitness goals. If you continue to make excuses, then getting into shape and changing your lifestyle probably isn’t in the cards for you right now. So if you want to change your life, then make an effort to change your mindset, make your health a priority, and get started now!