Why planning your week can boost your health
One of Joe Wicks' best tips to help people live a fitter, happier and healthier lifestyle is to make a plan and write it down.
Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, explores how planning your week can boost your health and your wellbeing.
One of my best tips to help people live a fitter, happier and healthier lifestyle is to make a plan and write it down.
It sounds super simple, but by doing this, you’re much more likely to increase your chances of getting it done.
I’ve often spoken about “prepping like a boss” when it comes to cooking, but in order to prepare well, you need to get the planning spot on, too – with both workouts and food.
Why plan?
If you take a little bit of time to make a plan, it could save you a lot of time and mental energy throughout the week. You won’t have to think each day about what workout you want to do, when you want to do it, or what you’re going to eat – and it’ll also mean you won’t have to head out to the shop to buy things for dinner you might have missed.
Having a plan of what you're going to eat in the week could also stop you from grabbing unhealthy fast food on the go.
But importantly (and this is a big one) it holds you accountable to your goals for the week. If you create a plan that you can refer back to, you’re far more likely to take action and stick to it. Try blocking time in your diary for workouts or prepping, just like you would for a meeting, to make it feel non-negotiable.
Planning your week may also help you feel in control – going through the motions of planning will make you feel like you’re in charge. And you are!
Ready to get planning?
Get the planner out – or a piece of paper, or a diary or calendar – and write down your meals and workouts for the week. I always find writing it down holds me more accountable.
Note down what you'd like for breakfast, lunch and dinner, what you want to eat post-workout, and what kind of snacks you want to be munching on throughout the day. Stick to it and prep your meals according to the plan.
Think about recipes you can batch-cook to save planning multiple meals. Also, try to choose recipes you’re excited to cook, as that way you’re much more likely to stick to your plan.
When planning workouts, set yourself an achievable number of workouts to complete that week. Schedule them at times that suits you – and don't worry if you miss a workout, life happens. Just get back on track as soon as you can. Try to keep your workouts varied: choose workouts that you enjoy and mix up your training to keep it interesting.
Remember, all movement is good. It doesn’t have to be intense HIIT sessions or a fast run. Try walking, swimming, gym classes, or cycling.
Setting your intention for the week will mean you’re more likely to follow through. You’ve got this.
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