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've got to lose fifty pounds!
* I've got to make sure my health isn't affected by extra weight!
* I've got to start running!
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?
The trick is to start small and turn these quick weight loss tips into lasting weight loss. Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Adopt one new good habit each 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. Focus on one change at a time
When you are trying to lose weight, the best approach is to make lasting changes in your lifestyle. Because it is so hard to change ingrained habits like going from a couch potato with bad eating habits to a fit, healthy person, it is best to start with one major area of weight loss.
Work out regularly. Take the stairs; park farther away. All these quick weight loss tips work. Give them a try. When you feel like you have a handle on fitness, then begin to incorporate more changes into your diet.
You are trying to change your overall life and health; it takes time. Don't rush your efforts because that too often leads to failure. Instead, ease into a healthier lifestyle by focusing on one area at a time.
3. Make changes with a friend.
Change can be easier if you have help. It doesn't matter if it is your friend, child, spouse, parent, or neighbor; any support can help.
Having a workout buddy or someone who is also incorporating change into their diets gives you an enormous amount of support and encouragement. It is helpful to know you are not alone, which makes losing weight and keeping it off a lot easier.
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. Take your own advice
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.
When it comes to yourself, though, you would probably throw all that advice out the window. Don't. Take your own advice, and do what is best and most healthy for your body.
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.
Give yourself the best chance for success - you can lose weight, keep it off, and get healthier.
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