If you’re struggling to lose weight or tired of following the same program and not seeing results, it’s time to change your approach and take it one step further. Weight loss isn’t just about cardio and weight lifting, it’s about creating sustainable lifestyle changes that you can sustain. Here are five simple steps that will put you on the right path to good weight loss and keep it off forever.
1. Start with an achievable goal
Don’t start by aiming for a weight loss goal that is impossible to achieve or too far from being achieved. Start small, set attainable goals that are within your reach and will motivate you to keep going. Your goal should be something like having more energy or being able to wear the clothes you want without feeling uncomfortable. This type of goal setting can help you stay motivated and inspired throughout your weight loss journey.
Also, write down your goal and refer to it often. Place it where you can see it every day, such as on your fridge. Also, stick to realistic deadlines. If you’re trying to lose 10 pounds in 5 days, that’s not very feasible or healthy. Set realistic goals so you have time to make healthier, more lasting lifestyle changes.
2. Format Your Meals
The kitchen should be top priority. Take some time to plan the meals you will eat throughout the week. If you just fix it and don’t plan ahead, you’re more likely to make poor food choices. Spend some time cooking or inventing healthier and tastier recipes.
You should also pay attention to snacking throughout the day. Eating often throughout the day can help you control your weight. Snacking between meals will also help curb your cravings before meals and keep your energy levels up. When choosing snacks, opt for fiber-rich fruits, nuts, and veggies.
3. Clean up your diet
What you eat matters and the quality of your food matters. That’s why it’s so important to eat high-quality, nutrient-dense foods that promote health and weight loss. Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods like lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help you reach your goal in a healthy way. For example, you can include more fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet.
It’s also important to avoid processed or fried foods, excessive sugary snacks, and saturated fats. These types of foods can lead to inflammation, weight gain, and other health problems. Poor diet is exponentially associated with long-term weight gain. As you begin to include more nutritious foods in your diet, you will notice a reduction in cravings for unhealthy foods.
4. Get Moving
If you rely solely on diet to lose weight, you will be extremely disappointed. Exercise also plays a huge role in losing weight and staying healthy. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week. It could be walking, running, cycling, lifting weights, or any other activity you enjoy. Exercise can help strengthen and tone muscles, improve body composition, and increase metabolism.
If you don’t feel like exercising for 30 minutes in a row, break it up into intervals. 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the afternoon may be more beneficial for you. In addition, it also works in strength training. This will help you build muscle and burn more calories throughout the day.
5. Track Progress And Adjust As Needed
Tracking your progress is key when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. If you don’t have goals to measure, it’s hard to know if you’re really making progress. You can track your progress by weighing yourself once a week or by keeping a food/exercise diary. This will help you stay accountable and make sure you are on the right track to achieve your goals. Also, take body measurements every month to track your progress.
If you make any changes to your routine, you should also keep an eye on how it works for you. If you don’t see progress or feel any change, make the necessary changes. You have to somehow progress and see results. If not, then it’s time to make a change.
Summary
After all, weight loss is associated with sustainable lifestyle changes. Start by achieving achievable goals, plan your meals and create a cleaner diet. In addition, it is important to move and monitor your progress. With this five-step plan, you should have the foundation to create healthy habits that will stay with you for a lifetime.
