Terri Ramsey Beavers Maintaining a healthy weight is important for a lot of reasons. You’re not only going to look and feel better but will give yourself the opportunity to live a longer life that you’ll be able to enjoy to the fullest.
You may be someone who hasn’t tried to lose weight previously and now feels motivated to do so. On the other hand, maybe you’ve attempted different weight loss strategies previously with no luck. It doesn’t matter where you’re beginning, just as long as you are committed to seeing results. Here are six tips for losing weight and keeping it off for good.
1. Set Realistic Goals
If you’re going to lose weight then you need realistic goals in the first place. They should be achievable and measurable so you can track your progress. Sit down and think through where you see yourself in six months and a year from now. Remind yourself that weight loss won’t appear overnight and that it’s going to take time to see the scale moving. Start by setting a few goals you know you can stick to and then challenge yourself with more difficult stretch goals as time goes on and you begin to reach each one.
2. Address Ailments & Injuries
Losing weight is going to require that you exercise and get your heart rate up consistently. However, you may struggle to do so if you’re in pain or hurt. Keep in mind that there have been many advancements in medicine and not every injury is going to require surgery. If you’re dealing with strains or knee pain, for example, then now is a good time to find a non-surgical orthopedic doctor. You can relieve your discomfort and get back to living a more active lifestyle in no time this way.
3. Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Lack of sleep can make it more difficult to lose weight and keep it off. It’s important that you get plenty of good and restful sleep each night so you can feel your best in the morning. Your body will work as it should, you’ll have less cortisol, and you will have the energy to stick to your healthy eating and exercise habits. When you’re overtired and sluggish you may be more prone to eat unhealthy food or skip your workouts. Research has shown that not enough sleep each night can lead to weight gain and make it more challenging to take it off.
4. Change Your Eating Habits
You must be willing to change your eating habits if you’re going to lose weight and keep it off, which will also allow you to look and feel healthier. Monitor what you’re putting in your body for fuel closely and make adjustments if you tend to eat a lot of sweets and saturated fats. Consider cooking for yourself at home more frequently and bringing nutritious snacks with you on the go. Keep a food journal if it’s helpful and review it regularly to identify problem areas. Most importantly, always eat breakfast and eat your meals slowly and mindfully so you know when you’re full.
5. Move More Daily
While exercising regularly is important, so is moving more if you’re going to lose weight and keep it off. Get in the habit of moving and taking more steps daily. There are plenty of ways to do so such as parking away from your destination, taking the stairs, getting a standing desk or taking stretch breaks and walks during your lunch hour. Also, monitor your screen and TV time and choose to go for a hike or clean the house instead. Track the number of steps you’re taking each day to see where you’re at currently and then find ways to increase your total steps if necessary. A sedentary job or lifestyle may be a main factor why you’re finding it hard to shed unwanted pounds and keep it off for good.
6. Establish A Support Network
Losing weight is challenging for many people and the process can quickly become frustrating. Therefore, what may help you the most is establishing a support network of people you can talk to and depend on for guidance and encouragement. You might even want to secure a workout partner so you can both hold one another accountable for staying active and exercising daily. Of course, there will be setbacks and obstacles along the way but you must find ways to start again and stay motivated if you’re going to succeed. It’ll be useful to have these people to rely on when you need some motivation or a pep talk.