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You don’t have to be perfect, but consistent to get results from your diet and workout. In this article, we will explain how and why it works. We want results when dieting, but often we get frustrated when we do not move the needle fast enough. We think we must be perfect—eating clean 24/7 and workout seven times a week. But that isn’t the case. Instead of stressing about being perfect, focus on being consistent and effective. As long as you’re 80% consistent and effective, you’ll see results.
Here’s what we mean:
let’s say you have a goal to eat 2,000 calories per day. If you eat 2,000 calories five days a week but on the other two days eat 2,500 calories, you’re still averaging around 2,000 calories per day. The same can be said for working out. Maybe you can’t make it to the gym six times a week, but if you can be consistent 4 or 5 times a week, you’ll still see results. When you can’t get to the gym, you can do plenty of other things to stay active (go for a walk, play sports, workout at home, etc.). Be flexible and choose options that will lead to a healthy and happy life.
What matters most is that you’re consistent and effective with your routine. As long as you do both, you will see results. So don’t beat yourself up if you have an off day here or there. Pick up where you left off and keep moving forward. Your body is flexible, so it will adjust to whatever you do. You don’t have to try to be perfect unless you are training for Mr. Olympia. In fact, “to error is human.” Therefore, have a little fun and you will see the results that come with being consistent and effective.
3 Tips for Being Consistent and Effective Not Perfect With Your Diet and Fitness Routine
Now that we know why consistency and effectiveness are crucial and how they can help us reach our goals, let’s discuss how we can be consistent. Use these tips to help make sure you’re on track:
- Schedule everything in advance. All the contemporary greats like Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler revealed in interviews that they wrote everything down. Write out your workout schedule for the week and plan your meals ahead of time so there are no surprises. This will help ensure you stick to your plan and hit your calorie goals. If you dislike writing, use fitness apps to track and plan your diet and workout.
- Find a workout buddy or hire a personal trainer. Having someone waiting for you at the gym or counting on you to show up for your session will help motivate you to stick with your plan—plus, it’s more fun to workout with a friend! You can also read about other people’s success stories to become encouraged, inspired, motivated, and educated.
- Set small goals along the way. Instead of focusing on hitting your ideal weight or bench pressing goal, focus on smaller milestones eventually leading up to your ultimate goal. For example, aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week or add 5 pounds to your bench press each week/month. These small accomplishments will keep you motivated and help remind you that every little bit counts!
The Last Word on Be Consistent, Not Perfect, in Your Diet, to Get Results
Don’t stress about being perfect with your diet or fitness routine. Instead, focus on being 80% consistent and effective, and you’ll reach your goals. Trust your body. It is resilient and will amplify whatever you give it. A fit life is a lifestyle that requires you to change your life, not follow a fad for a couple of weeks or months. Therefore it’s best to follow a plan that you can do for decades than to adopt some quick fix that gives you the allusion of better results. Those who bend don’t break. Use these tips to help ensure that you’re staying on track. Also, plan for surprises, find a workout buddy or hire a personal trainer; and set small goals. Every little bit counts! But more critically, live and enjoy your life.
