So you failed your New Year’s Resolution to lose weight huh? It’s ok—you’re with the other 92% of the population that fail to keep their resolutions. Here are a few pointers that will help you lose weight—without losing your mind!
1.) Exercise your right to enjoy it. Who says you have to have ankle weights on while sprinting up a hill, or be stuck in the weight room searching for that extra oomph to lift that last rep? Find an activity that you enjoy to do whether it’s joining a soccer team, enrolling in a dance class, or early morning walks with a friend. You are way more likely to stick with a work-out routine if you enjoy and look forward to it!
2.) Reward yourself. Yes, it’s fine to give in every once in a while. I don’t mean eating a salad and being so proud of yourself that you continue with the meal and eat an apple pie. But giving in to those cravings, such as a couple pieces of chocolate (key word: couple) every once in a while will help you from slipping up big-time.
3.) Drink like a fish. People don’t realize how important water is for their health and appearance. Your body needs water to metabolize fat faster. Besides keeping your skin glowing, it can act as an appetite suppressant by filling you up! As a general rule of thumb try to consume around 64 ounces a day—and feel free to spice it up a bit by adding a lemon or lime slice.
4.) Set goals, not dreams. Set realistic goals for yourself. Clicking your ruby red slippers together and wishing for the weight to come off isn’t going to happen. You aren’t going to lose 20 lbs in 2 weeks and expect to keep it off. Understand that your diet is actually a new lifestyle, and progress takes work and time! Be patient and before you know it you will be happy to spend those few extra bucks at the mall shopping for slimmer clothes.
5.) Sleep your fat off. If you think you are accelerating your weight loss by not sleeping you are sadly mistaken. Sleep allows your body to properly metabolize foods and gives you energy for the next day, not to mention decreases your appetite. You don’t want to be half-way through your run in the morning, crash, and have to walk back in turn making you late for work and skipping your morning Starbucks routine while weaving in and out of traffic do you? (Not speaking from experience or anything!) Try to squeeze in 8 hours of blissful REM time a night.
6.) Shovels are for the garden. Your fork is not to be used like a shovel. Your brain does not know it’s full until twenty minutes after it already is. Stuffing food in your mouth furiously isn’t going to help your weight loss or feeling full. Watch your portions and don’t feel the need to eat everything that’s in front of you—it’s ok to save some for later which is great for your weight loss and wallet.
7.) Skipping breakfast is a no-no. Whatever excuse you give to yourself for not eating breakfast (no time, not hungry, etc.) needs to be eliminated from your daily routine and supplemented with a healthy option like yogurt with granola or oatmeal. If you don’t eat breakfast, your metabolic rate slows down. Your energy levels drop, and your appetite goes up! Schedule time for yourself and your weight loss by starting your day off right!
8.) Mini Meals for a Mini You! Exchanging your 3 hearty meals a day for 5-6 smaller portioned meals may be beneficial for your weight loss. You will feel less hungry and it keeps your metabolism and energy levels up throughout the entire day!
9.) Dear Diary. Don’t worry—no one else has to know your weird food combinations you enjoy, but it is helpful to keep a food journal. This will help you distinguish the habits you need to break as well as show your improvement with your nutrition decisions! Record the time you ate as well as your mood to help evaluate your eating patterns.
10.) Liquids Have Feelings Too! Just because you are drinking calories does not mean they are exempt—this is your body, not a tax return. This includes that happy hour cosmopolitan you enjoy on a weekly basis after your long workday. Whether it is liquor or sugary soda, realize you are adding hundreds of wasted calories to your daily intake. So next time that pina colada or extra large soda is staring at you in the face, stare back and ask for a light beer or diet soda instead.
Understand that there is no magic pill or diet that will drop 10 lbs of fat off your body. Create a lifestyle that accommodates your lifestyle and interests, stick to it, and when all the envious complements pour in smile sweetly and accept them like what you’re doing is no biggie!
