It is easy to say that you want to start a diet and lose some weight, but are you committed to going through the ups and downs of a diet regimen to reach your ideal weight? Here are 7 tips to get you on your way to accomplishing your worthy goal:
1. Be realistic.
You have to start off with a feasible game plan and timeline for losing the weight. It didn’t take mere days to gain the weight so you can’t think that you’ll drop all of the pounds within a week. People quit their journey when they hit a plateau or don’t lose weight as quickly as they would like, so come up with a real life goal that keeps your metabolism and schedule in mind.
2. Get a support system.
Having a friend who is also trying to lose weight or joining a program such as Weight Watchers is a great way to stay motivated to lose weight because you are accountable to someone and they can give you a pep talk when needed. Keeping an online weight loss blog works in the same way in that it holds you to your goal because others know about it and expect results with you. When you feel overwhelmed or want to give up, their support and love can get you through the tough spots that are inherent in weight-loss.
.
3. Practice portion control and watch calories.
Most meals today are double the size that we should actually be consuming in one sitting! When at a restaurant, have the server pack half before it is even brought to the table and when eating, do so slowly so that your body can process that it is eating and alert you to when you are full. Keeping a food journal can help you to put into perspective how much food that you consume on a daily basis and alert you to any changes that you may need to make to your diet.
4. Up your water intake.
Sometimes when we feel that we are hungry it is really our body’s way of saying that it is thirsty. Water also helps you to become full faster if consumed before a meal, so that you can put down the fork faster. Your body needs the water anyway to function and not become dehydrated, may as well let it aid in your weight loss goals.
5. Get moving.
Dieting alone will cause some pounds to leave but you will be much more efficient if you are up and moving around with exercise often. Park further from buildings so that you have to walk, take the stairs, have sex, get a structured workout in with dvds or the gym 3-4 times a week, weight train to burn fat quickly, dance, swim, go play with your kids, just get moving!
6. Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast.
Your body needs food for fuel, so don’t try and starve it into slimness because not only is this very unhealthy, your body will start clinging to fat and keeping it on because it is afraid that you won’t eat again soon. Breakfast jump starts your metabolism, so start the day right with fruit, whole grains, and some protein.
7. Set up a rewards system.
When you achieve a weightloss journey goal, reward yourself! Then you have something to look forward to and want to push ahead. Promise yourself a pedicure at the 10 lb goal, a small shopping spree when you hit a size that you haven’t been at before or in a while, makeover when you get to your goal weight, trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go, a new trinket that will symbolize the new you such as a pretty ring or bracelet to remind you of what you’ve accomplished.
Losing weight is a life long task for many people and requires a lifestyle overhaul. Start off with these tips and you can start to kiss the old you goodbye and welcome in a healthier version of yourself! Good luck.