Whether you are just starting out on your weight loss journey or are hit a plateau, it’s always good to look for new strategies to help you shed the fat and hit your goals.
- Make sure you have goals, and a plan to achieve them. If you just say “I want to lose weight,” that is nice, but it isn’t specific enough and you’ll soon give up. Use the SMART goal principles, where your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.
- Take it in gradual steps. You don’t have to overhaul your diet overnight. I highly recommend changing your diet in small steps — just drink water instead of pop, or replace 2% yogurt with 0%. Once you adjust to this small change, make another a week or two later, and so on until you’re eating much healthier a few months later. This small and gradual process makes it much easier to stick with a healthy lifestyle for the long term.
- Make it a routine. I’ve said it many times, but you HAVE to put some planning into exercise and eating so that it doesn’t have to become an everyday question – “what should I eat?” and “when should I work out?”. The more that these become just daily habits, the easier it will be to achieve your goals.
- Let others know that you’re committed to living healthier. Whether they are also committed doesn’t matter, but if others around you are aware, you do feel awkward eating unhealthy food. They might also ask you what you’re doing and you can become an inspiration to them. Support systems are absolutely crucial things on your journey to a new you.
- Track your progress. I’m not talking about just the scale. Take measurements, notice how your clothes are fitting, measure your body fat, take pictures – anything to show signs of progress. While it may be hard to notice any change in the pictures over a couple of weeks, go back to your original pictures and watch your jaw drop
- Reward yourself. Each time you reach a small milestone, reward yourself. Not with cheat meals but maybe some new workout clothes you have been eyeing down?
- Keep unhealthy Foods out of the House. It’s really tough to eat healthy if you’re always surrounded by junk foods. If other family members want to keep these foods around, at least keep them hidden, rather than on countertops. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” definitely applies here. Use the red light green light yellow light system. If it’s green it’s good if its yellow proceed with caution, and if it’s red get rid of it or hide it!
- Donate your old clothes. As you lose pounds your clothes will be too baggy and start hanging off you, donate them to a local shelter. When they are gone, you have nothing to wear if you gain weight. You don’t want to purchase new, bigger clothes. It adds incentive to maintain your weight loss along the way. And you’re doing something good for others by donating your old clothes.
- Get new clothes. Now that you’ve donated your old clothes, you’ll need to buy new ones! New, slimmer clothes that show off your new, slimmer body will get comments from others and make you feel good about your progress.
- Workout with family or friends. If you exercise with others, it’s more difficult to back out. Plus you can help motivate each other. that’s the beauty of group training!
- Try new recipes. Search for delicious but healthy recipes and try them. We’ve tried quite a few and many have been keepers. It makes eating healthy more fun and exciting, since eating the same thing day in and day out can get boring quickly. Check out our monthly newsletter where we send you a new recipe a month www.Clubsweat.ca
- Fall in love with the journey. You’ve probably had periods of time where nothing seems to be happening. You’re eating well and exercising, but the weight isn’t coming off. Remember that much of the joy is in the journey, and as long as your goals are sound and you’re being diligent, you will achieve them. The weight didn’t come on overnight, and however long it takes to come off, it is worth it. There will be good days, there will be not-so-good days. That’s life. Appreciate the good days and tolerate the bad days. Don’t let the bad days become stumbling blocks towards your goals.
Stay strong, stay resilient and the work will pay off!
If you’re still struggling or just dont know where to start dont hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation where we can help you set a plan of attack to reach your weight loss goals!
