7 Tips To Lose Weight And Keep It Off
How many times have you heard someone say, "I want to lose weight"? Probably countless. But how many times have you heard someone say, "I want to lose some weight in a healthy way and develop a lifestyle that will let me keep that weight off"? Probably fewer than 2 times including this time. In this fast-paced society, people want instantaneous results; they plan for the short-term without considering any long-term implications. But when it comes to weight-loss, one has to remember that this is their body we're talking about, and the utmost care should be taken. These tips will ensure you care for your body the way it deserves to be cared for.
1. Have multiple goals
Don't limit yourself to a singular goal of weightloss. A numerical aspiration should never be your sole motivation. Think about what you want your body to be able to do as a result of a healthier lifestyle. Think about the overall life picture rather than a simple digital reading of what you weigh on any given day.
2. Think about what you will eat rather than what you won't
When people hear the word "diet," they tend to picture foods they're going to deny themselves: cake, ice cream, gluten, hamburger, etc. But what if you reframed the word "diet" in your mind and associated it with the plethora of foods you can and will consume like tasty veggies, lean proteins, healthy sources of dairy, brown rice, etc. And remember, you can lose weight and still enjoy your favorite foods like cake and cookies. Everything in moderation is the greatest "diet" advice you'll ever hear.
3. Don't set an end date
When people say, "I'm going on a diet for a month," we're like: What does that even mean? Stop thinking about your health and body in timed segments. Make small changes that can last a lifetime. Being fit and the best physical version of yourself should have no end date.
4. Find a form of exercise you actually enjoy and get good at it
Don't go to the gym with the sole goal of burning X-number of calories. You'll just end up hating working out. Instead, find some form of physical activity that you enjoy and want to get better at. For some people, training for a marathon fits the bill. Others prefer developing flexibility and core strength to become stronger yogis. Maybe you want to become great at kickboxing. Play around and see what physical endeavor suits your mind, body, and spirit.
5. SLEEP
It seems counterintuitive when society preaches "move more to lose more," but getting enough sleep is paramount to a more balanced lifestyle. Sleep deprivation can cause cravings, specifically food cravings, which can totally wreck your diet. Give your body and mind the rest they need to support your new lifestyle.
6. Avoid extremism
The faster you lose weight, the faster you tend to gain it back. Don't do something crazy like only drink juice for 4 days. And don't let others try and convince you to go on a fad diet. Your goal is to lose weight and KEEP it off. You're looking to change for the better and for the long run. You're the tortoise in the Aespop fable. The diet industry that will try to convince you to speed things up is the hare. The tortoise always wins the race.
7. Let the joy in
Exercising, dieting, living a healthy lifestyle - these aren't easy tasks. But they're worthwhile endeavors. Your effort is admirable. Remind yourself that what you're doing is hard and that you deserve all the credit. Whenever you can, feel the joy that accompanies a stronger physique, both inside and out.
