Losing weight is one of the most difficult things that many people face in their everyday life, especially if it has been a life-long battle. Often, you are your own worst critic, repeating criticisms over and over:
* I need to lose at least fifty pounds.
* I am worried about my health being affected by excess weight!
* I've got to get up and start exercising now.
Often, instead of sparking us to exercise more or watch what we eat, these thoughts overwhelm us. We become too frustrated to even start a weight loss routine. There are hundreds of ways to lose weight, but how do you start?
Instead of letting the critical thoughts and avalanche of tips drown you in inertia, try the following strategies:
1. Make one change every week.
You probably know from previous efforts to lose weight that trying to change your entire life overnight leads to failure. Choosing one new habit ? cutting down your sugar, adding a few days of exercise, getting more fiber, etc. ? can help you make more lasting changes.
Your body is a creature of habit. To make something a habit, you have to repeat it. Choosing just one habit per week gives your body time to adjust and incorporate the change into your life permanently. One change at a time is manageable, and it is a great way to start. You can always build from there, and you'll begin to notice results.
2. Concentrate on one aspect of fitness at a time.
Just like adopting one new habit each week, focusing on one major area of weight loss at a time can be helpful in making permanent changes. You can start by focusing on adding more exercise to your life.
Begin by working out regularly. Even small improvements, such as taking the stairs or walking during your lunch hour, can have big results. In addition to the little changes, add a few days of exercise. When you are comfortable and have been able to work out regularly for several weeks, then it is time to concentrate on diet.
Changing both your ways to eating and exercising can be difficult if you try to do too much at once. It is much more effective to focus on one aspect at a time.
3. Enlist a friend.
It is easier to change when you have someone to help! It can be your spouse, friend, child, parent, whoever.
Having someone to support you helps a great deal, and people with a good support network tend to lose weight and keep it off more effectively than those going it alone.
Another benefit is that while you are encouraging someone else, you are reaffirming your own commitment to your goals. Even major life changes are more manageable when you take it one step at a time with a partner.
4. Be as good to yourself as you are to others.
If your child or best friend asked you for weight loss advice, you would never tell them to try a dangerous fad diet or stop eating. Nor would you advise them to become obsessive about exercise and every bite they put into their mouths. Chances are your advice would be to eat healthier, exercise five or so days a week, and be good to their bodies.
It is hard to take the same advice for yourself, though, because you want results fast. But take a minute to listen to yourself and what you know to be true. Don't hurt your body or your chances at lasting weight loss.
If you have struggled with weight loss, you know that "diets" don't work. Instead of following every new fad, use the above tips to make lasting changes in your life and weight.
You will lose weight and get healthier; best of all, you are giving yourself the best chance for keeping the weight off.
* I need to lose at least fifty pounds.
* I am worried about my health being affected by excess weight!
* I've got to get up and start exercising now.
Often, instead of sparking us to exercise more or watch what we eat, these thoughts overwhelm us. We become too frustrated to even start a weight loss routine. There are hundreds of ways to lose weight, but how do you start?
Instead of letting the critical thoughts and avalanche of tips drown you in inertia, try the following strategies:
1. Make one change every week.
You probably know from previous efforts to lose weight that trying to change your entire life overnight leads to failure. Choosing one new habit ? cutting down your sugar, adding a few days of exercise, getting more fiber, etc. ? can help you make more lasting changes.
Your body is a creature of habit. To make something a habit, you have to repeat it. Choosing just one habit per week gives your body time to adjust and incorporate the change into your life permanently. One change at a time is manageable, and it is a great way to start. You can always build from there, and you'll begin to notice results.
2. Concentrate on one aspect of fitness at a time.
Just like adopting one new habit each week, focusing on one major area of weight loss at a time can be helpful in making permanent changes. You can start by focusing on adding more exercise to your life.
Begin by working out regularly. Even small improvements, such as taking the stairs or walking during your lunch hour, can have big results. In addition to the little changes, add a few days of exercise. When you are comfortable and have been able to work out regularly for several weeks, then it is time to concentrate on diet.
Changing both your ways to eating and exercising can be difficult if you try to do too much at once. It is much more effective to focus on one aspect at a time.
3. Enlist a friend.
It is easier to change when you have someone to help! It can be your spouse, friend, child, parent, whoever.
Having someone to support you helps a great deal, and people with a good support network tend to lose weight and keep it off more effectively than those going it alone.
Another benefit is that while you are encouraging someone else, you are reaffirming your own commitment to your goals. Even major life changes are more manageable when you take it one step at a time with a partner.
4. Be as good to yourself as you are to others.
If your child or best friend asked you for weight loss advice, you would never tell them to try a dangerous fad diet or stop eating. Nor would you advise them to become obsessive about exercise and every bite they put into their mouths. Chances are your advice would be to eat healthier, exercise five or so days a week, and be good to their bodies.
It is hard to take the same advice for yourself, though, because you want results fast. But take a minute to listen to yourself and what you know to be true. Don't hurt your body or your chances at lasting weight loss.
If you have struggled with weight loss, you know that "diets" don't work. Instead of following every new fad, use the above tips to make lasting changes in your life and weight.
You will lose weight and get healthier; best of all, you are giving yourself the best chance for keeping the weight off.
About the Author:
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