When it comes to weight loss, there seems to be tons of weight loss advice where ever you turn. Every friend, neighbor and stranger has about ten tips that they can give you on any given day. But if we all know so much about weight loss and how it should be accomplished, why are so many of us still struggling with the pounds?
Taking any sort of “tip” or piece of information needs to be gently incorporated into our lives. Many of us are not mentally prepared to make our weight loss goals sustainable and realistic. Here’s how you can start today:
Be Positive
Some days you’ll feel defeated and beaten down. Some days that scale won’t budge or a pound or two may have snuck back on. You need to stay positive and resolute that yes, you can and you WILL lose the weight that is on your body. Other people have done it, and it’s not all because they took some miracle drug, had liposuction or their tummy stapled. It is because they believed in themselves.
Change your Lifestyle (Gradually)
Either you or someone you know has purchased a pricey gym membership in haste, only to completely abandon that treadmill and weightlifting machine within that very month. It’s great to feel inspired, but if you weren’t one who was even remotely interested in joining a gym before, what makes you think that you will suddenly have the drive to get up and go every single day for the next “x” amount of years? If you don’t even take a 30 minute walk on a daily basis, start from there. Get into a routine. Once your mind begins to adjust to this new behavior you’ve thrown at it, you’ll have an easier time moving on to bicycling, swimming, Pilates, yoga – and perhaps even that gym membership if you still want it.
The foods we eat of course have a great impact on our lives as well. Begin by changing one meal a day, or by actually eating breakfast if you are one of the many who skips this vital meal each morning. If you find yourself going for cookies, crackers, chips and sweets when you snack, start there. Grab different nuts, trail mixes, veggies and dip, hummus and pita bread, fruits – the options are endless! Once you adjust to that change, start changing what you eat for lunch from high processed and fatty foods to whole, natural foods (such as a whole grain pita with 4 oz. of chicken and vegetables). From there, branch out to changing breakfast and dinner as well.
TIP: Look into taking natural supplements that may help you with weight loss, such as Omega 3-fatty acid supplements or vitamin B12. Discuss with your doctor how these supplements can help you achieve your weight loss and health goals.
Read Food Labels
As much of a yawn fest reading food labels may be, it is very important that you know what you’re eating. Foods with tons of sugars, dyes, corn syrup, and words you cannot pronounce should be avoided as much as necessary. Think that cereal you’ve been eating every morning is good for you? Think again. You’d be surprised how much junk is actually packed into a “whole grain” cereal these days.
Take Before and After Photos
Apart from measuring yourself and using a scale, there’s perhaps no better way to keep a person driven to shed the pounds than to take before and after pictures. When you decide to begin your weight loss journey, get down to your underwear and take a full body picture of yourself (grumble and complain now, but you’ll be grateful that you did!). If possible, try to take a front, back and side shot. You don’t need to post the pictures of yourself up any where visible; place them in a scrap book or journal so you can follow your weight loss journey.
Focus on Yourself – Not Others
Comparing yourself to your buddy is not a very wise move. Each of us has a different body which also means we lose weight differently: some take longer while others take shorter; some lose the weight in their thighs while others shed the “love handles” first. Take into account that men tend to lose weight far more easily and faster than women due to the difference in our physiological make up as well. So husbands, don’t judge your wife if she isn’t burning as much fat as you; and ladies, don’t compare yourself to your partner’s success. Weight loss is all about YOU and YOUR achievements.
When ever you do decide to embark on your weight loss success story, be sure to let the people around you know that you’re serious about it (and realistic – don’t expect to burn more than 1 pound a week!). If you ever falter, your friends and family will be sure to keep you in check and they will be your personal cheerleading squad.
