We have a great guest post today by Hayden Stewart from Orangetheory Fitness. Hayden discusses 5 tactics to lose weight and keep it off. Enjoy!
A new year represents a new beginning. It’s a time to banish bad habits and work towards personal improvement. And for most people, weight loss and exercise top the list of New Year’s resolutions.
But these good intentions usually crash and burn a few weeks after New Year’s. Instead of giving up on your goals, keep your resolutions by following these 5 tips.
1. Take Baby Steps
Resolutions often fail because they’re overwhelming. For example, say you’ve decided to exercise seven days a week. It’s possible you’ll burnout rather quickly. It would work better to start small. If you start with three days a week, then you’re more likely to maintain your workouts.
The same tip applies to dietary changes. Sweeping dietary changes will feel like punishment. Instead, add and remove certain foods from your diet at intervals. Small easy to implement changes are more likely to stick.
2. Have Patience
It takes time to replace negative behaviors with good ones. The process is slow, and some people give up in frustration. Changing your life can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It took you a year to gain those extra 10 pounds. So you must realize it’s also going to take time to lose those 10 pounds.
Avoid beating up on yourself. Replace the negative self-talk with reassuring and kind words. By being patient with yourself, you’re more likely to stick to your resolutions.
3. Join a Support Group
Making changes is often easier when you have support. Find other people who share your goals, and understand your struggles. For example, if you’re struggling with weight loss, then join a weight loss group. You could even join a class at your gym instead of always exercising alone.
Sharing your concerns and struggles with others is a relief. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and better able to achieve your New Year’s resolutions.
4. Involve Your Family
Your family can unintentionally sabotage your goals. For example, they might offer you foods you’re trying not to eat. Constantly being encouraged to ignore your resolutions can lead to failure.
Ask your family to support your efforts. Explain that you know their intentions are good, but that it makes things difficult. Discuss your resolutions, and explain how they can help. You can’t expect your family to change their habits. But you can ask them to be more mindful and helpful about what you’re doing.
5. Track Your Progress
Some changes aren’t immediately noticeable. That’s one reason why weight loss resolutions are hard to keep. When you feel you’re not making progress, then you’re less likely to continue. It can be discouraging to do everything right but still see no results. So instead of relying only on what you see, make note of all your small successes. Give yourself credit for working out when you don’t feel like it. Make note of all the times you chose fruit instead of a sugary soda.
New Year, New Beginnings
Make this the year that your New Year’s resolutions become reality. You might stumble, but that shouldn’t stop you. The tips mentioned here will make the journey much easier.
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