In today’s society, there’s a lot of pressure for women to have perfect bodies, and sometimes it can be defeating to see celebrities and models who seem to effortlessly attain a sculpted physique. Although it’s a good idea to not get too obsessed with images we see in the media, it’s still important to have a healthy lifestyle and diet, and this often results in weight loss and an overall improved life. The health benefits of having a fitness plan and eating healthy food are numerous, including a decreased risk for Type 2 Diabetes, a lower risk of getting cardiovascular disease, and an increased lifespan. Your confidence will also increase, so if you’re not convinced yet, keep reading to learn some tips on beach body programs that will help get you started.

1. Take a cooking class
If you’re overwhelmed by trading in potato chips for celery, don’t be — healthy food can be just as delicious as processed snacks, but it takes some time to get used to the changes. A great way to learn more about different ways to prepare vegetables and fruits, as well as incorporating a healthy amount of carbohydrates and protein into your diet, is by taking a cooking class. Lots of people aren’t used to cooking from scratch anymore because so many foods are available pre-made, but learning to cook your own meals can be very satisfying, and it’s one of the first steps in many beach body programs.

2. Set fitness goals
If you don’t know where to begin, consider personal fitness coaching, because having someone there to guide you along the way may increase your success. You should set long-term goals that you hope to accomplish over time, and the best way to get here is by setting several intermediate short-term goals. For example, a moderate-intensity activity is walking on a level surface at about three to four miles per hour, so there’s no need to start with extended runs at a fast pace. Take it slow and you’ll be much more likely to succeed.

3. Establish a routine
Consistency is key — going on an hour-long run once a month is much less effective than running for 15 minutes a few times a week. Even though you might feel like jumping in and starting big right away, it’s important to slowly incorporate exercise and healthy eating into your lifestyle. If you do too much right away, you’re likely to get overwhelmed and give up sooner than if you start your fitness journey at an appropriate pace.

4. Don’t expect immediate results
Unfortunately, many of the best benefits of a healthy lifestyle take time for you to notice. Weight loss might take several months, and lots of the health benefits are actually an absence of disease, which can be hard to notice. The good news is you will feel better and more confident almost immediately, because every time you exercise or choose a healthy snack over the greasy alternative, you are making a positive decision and accomplishing a goal. The emotional benefits have an immediate effect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the perfect body right away.

Have you recently participated in one of the many beach body programs and had positive results? What do you think are the most important benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise? Do you have any tips for beginners who might be overwhelmed with a lifestyle change? If so, please leave a comment below.