Weight loss is something of a conundrum for many people. Some people seem to lose weight easily, while others struggle to overcome barriers or keep weight off. If you’re looking to reach a goal weight, and you’re aiming for long-term, sustainable results, here are some tips to find a weight loss path that suits you.
Setting realistic goals
Setting goals is a great way to increase motivation and outline key objectives, but it’s vital to make sure that your targets are realistic. Fad diets have become more popular, but they tend to generate short-term weight loss.
There is also a risk that you could be damaging your health and wellbeing by cutting out food groups and trying to survive on a much lower calorie intake than usual.
Aim for sustainable results that you can achieve by adopting lifestyle habits that will benefit your health and increase your confidence. If you’re just starting out, don’t try and lose 6kg in a week or sign up for a marathon in a month’s time.
Build your fitness gradually, aim for steady weight loss and work towards achievable milestones. Your end goal might be to run a marathon, but ticking off a 1-mile run, a 5k race and a half marathon along the way is a better option than throwing yourself in at the deep end.
Set goals that are personal to you. Do you want to get in a pair of jeans you used to love? Are you desperate to feel more confident when you go on vacation? Do you want to be fitter and healthier for your kids?
Seeking expert advice
Losing weight isn’t always a walk in the park, and many people find it beneficial to enlist the help of others. There are lots of ways you can get help with dropping dress sizes and improving your health.
Your doctor can advise you about healthy eating, you can find information online about making changes to your diet and you can work with a personal trainer or a fitness coach to get in shape.
It’s also worth looking into options like nutrition coaching programs like those available from Working Against Gravity and to consider joining community groups. Some people find it easier to lose weight when they have access to an advisor or when they have friends or family members working with them to achieve the same goals.
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Maintaining motivation
One of the main reasons people plateau or start to gain weight again is a loss of motivation and focus. If you find that you’re getting bored of working out at the gym, or you’re tired of eating the same meals all the time, make some changes.
Look for new healthy recipes online, join forums and share tips and ideas and vary your menu. Take a friend to the gym with you, try new activities and make exercise fun. Even the most dedicated person can get bored of running on a treadmill or jogging for hours.
You don’t have to run or lift weights to get fit. You can dance, cycle, swim, climb, hike or even jump your way to weight loss. Switch up your workouts, go to different classes and enjoy a change of scenery from time to time. Remember how far you’ve come and keep focusing on your goals.
Most of us have tried to lose weight at some point in our lives. If you’re struggling, or you’re about to start your mission to shed those extra pounds, hopefully, this guide will help you hit your targets.