You know how to lose weight, right? Eat less, count calories, and exercise more! That may work. But to be successful – that is, to lose the weight and keep it off – it helps to have the right mindset.
Having the correct mindset can energize you with motivation that not only enthusiastically drives you to your goals but also gives you the power to sustain your attainments.
One university study found that subjects were much more likely to achieve their weight loss goals if they believed they could reach their desired weight. Mindset matters. Check out these 3 hacks to help you move forward successfully to your weight loss goals.
- Be Realistic instead of Overdoing It:
Be patient with yourself. Chances are that this is not your first run at trying to lose weight. So don’t pressure yourself with large goals. Losing about 1 to 3 pounds a week is a safe goal for most adults. Counting calories is fine, but you don’t have to overdo it. You can also try to reduce the number of times you eat each day.
Take small steps. It’s been said that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” You might decide not to eat heavy food in the evening or to avoid fast food. It’s the small actionable steps each day that add up to make a big difference, bringing you closer to your desired outcome.
Don’t compare yourself. Forget about the Joneses and the Hollywood celebs. Comparing yourself with others will only give you temporary motivation. Focus on your strengths, strive for a healthier lifestyle, and the results will follow.
Allow some flexibility. Remember that good health habits are a progressive journey. If you try to be too restrictive in the beginning you may open yourself to temptation and end up throwing yourself off the plan altogether. If you slip up, get up, and get back on your plan immediately. Allow yourself to have a small healthy treat once a week.
Practice regularity. Your metabolism will work more efficiently if you adopt habits of regularity. Your body and mind function best on a schedule. This includes eating meals, exercising, working and sleeping.
- Get Support instead of Going Solo:
See your doctor. If you haven’t had a check-up by your physician recently it may be prudent to get one. Having the results from your blood lab work can provide a good indication of some of the things that are going on in your body that may need to be addressed. That’s especially true if you’re significantly overweight, sedentary, or coping with a chronic condition.
Ask for help. Numerous studies show that some support programs can make a huge difference in your efforts to lose weight. Ask your family members to encourage and support you during your journey. You may also try partnering with a health coach.
Find a partner. Almost all activities are more enjoyable with a partner. This also provides a source of accountability. You become stronger and more determined as you help each other.
Check out online resources. COVID caused the world to interact more online. Some of that can be good. Perhaps you can take online exercise classes, take part in healthy cooking classes, or join a forum.
- Plan and Be Intentional:
Set compelling goals. Improve your chances of success by setting specific goals that motivate you. You could set goals that will assist you on your weight-loss program – like walking each day, eating a healthy breakfast, and drinking plenty of water. You might also aim to lose a certain amount of weight each month.
Plan your meals. Good health is by choice, not by chance. Meal planning can play a vital part in helping you achieve your goals. If you lead a busy life (or even if you don’t), why leave meal options up to impulse? Be intentional about planning meals for each week that will be nutritious and tasty.
Shop wisely. Supermarkets are loaded with highly processed food items that are laden with sugar, salt, saturated fat, and refined carbohydrates. Read labels carefully so that you’ll know what you’re getting without being fooled by slick marketing. Choose foods that are nutritionally dense like plant-based, whole foods.
Gaining the right mindset can be the difference between success and failure. With the right mindset, you can not only lose the weight that you desire but adopt an overall healthier way of living.