When you are first starting out, weight loss might seem like a monumental task. Even if you only want to lose a few pounds, you still need to eliminate some bad habits and pick up some new ones. However, you don’t need to feel intimidated by weight loss if you want to be successful. You just need a good plan. Follow these six tips to reach your goals.
1. Get the right vitamins and nutrients.
Dieting isn’t just about calorie counting, it’s also about getting the right nutrients that your body needs. As you start your weight loss journey, meet with a dietician to go over your recommended daily calories and what types of foods you need to focus on. You can also ask them if there are any supplements you might need. They could recommend a daily multivitamin or alpha lipoic acid depending on your current health conditions.
When you’re choosing a nutritional supplement, make sure you choose one that will work well for your specific needs. There are supplements that increase blood flow, help normalize blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, or just provide extra vitamin E or vitamin C as a dietary supplement. Do your research to make sure that you’re taking supplements that are the best for you.
2. Set both macro and micro goals.
If you only set a macro goal for yourself, you are likely to procrastinate. For example, if you only focus on the 25 pounds you want to lose, you will rush through trying to lose them or put off working out because it seems unreachable. Instead, set micro-goals like losing two pounds a month over a year. For some people, it’s easier to reach small goals, and your progress can motivate you to keep going.
You can also build rewards into your micro-goals, like buying a new dress at the halfway point. Check out a few cocktail dresses for women to inspire yourself to stay focused in the short run. If you know that you have a new little black dress, a party dress or some fun accessories and jackets to look forward to, you may be more inspired to put in the work.
3. Find an exercise you love doing.
If you hate going to the gym and dread spending hours on the treadmill, then you are more likely to give up your weight loss goals. Instead, try out a variety of different exercise forms to see what you like. Try Zumba, yoga, pilates, swimming, and even powerlifting. Look for classes where you can make friends or learn new skills. This will make you excited to go to the gym.
4. Don’t eliminate foods entirely.
One of the biggest mistakes people make with dieting is eliminating foods. They decide to cut out all sweets or all carbs until they hit their goals. This isn’t sustainable. Instead, you are more likely to binge on “bad’ foods when you do have a chance to eat them.
Leave room in your diet for the foods you love, but only in smaller portions or less frequently. Grab a spoonful of ice cream instead of a whole bowl. This will make you sustain your diet longer.
5. Stay hydrated.
Water can help keep your body functioning at its best. You don’t have to eliminate soda and coffee entirely, but try drinking water before grabbing a can of coke. Even if you have both, you can still enjoy the benefits of good hydration.
6. Ask someone to hold you accountable.
Accountability is a powerful tool for weight loss. Telling a friend or a family member – even a personal trainer – that you want to lose weight can help you get the motivation you need. They will ask you how your diet is going and push you to go to the gym. Remember: they want to see you succeed. You can even find a partner who is on a similar track so you can work through your diet plan together.
Instead of looking for fad diets and short-term weight loss success, try to build healthy habits instead. Look for supplements you enjoy taking and find exercises that really make a difference. This will help you build longevity into your health and weight.