No Shortcuts.

Mornings are rough. No motivation to get out of bed. It is so easy to want to sleep in after a long weekend of activities, and long nights. But I know if I don't start the day with a workout, I feel sluggish the rest of the day. So I don't give myself the option, I just get up, put on my shoes, and don't put any feeling into it. I just go!

I always feel better when I leave the gym and it sets the tone for the whole day. Today as I left the gym, I was thinking about all the people that were there. Other people up at 5:30 am working out before the day gets started. Starting the week with a workout, and not hitting the snooze button.

A lot of times you hear someone say things like... oh they were just built small, or they must have a fast metabolism, or it is easy for them to lose weight. Or you see pictures of your friends, and think how easy it was for them to lose weight, and they don't have to work to keep it off.

But the truth is, there are no shortcuts. There are not any magic pills or overnight detox drinks that will make you lose 20 lbs instantly. In order to stay fit, the work has to be done. It means you have to stay disciplined and focus. It means you have to put in your time if you want results.

And it means staying disciplined with sleep, nutrition, recovery, stress management, and daily hydration. These are some of the principles to live by that will help keep the belly fat from creeping up on you if you put in the work.

1. Consume Protein

2. Stay Hydrated

3. Set Goals

4. Sleep 7-8 hours

5. Eat more leafy, green vegetables

6. Daily movement

Staying healthy and fit is a way of life. It is a daily lifestyle. It requires focus and discipline.

When you decide there are no shortcuts, you will be ready to achieve results.