Small Changes that Can Help You Lose Weight
Once you’ve made the decision to make lifestyle changes to help with weight loss, it’s important to create a plan. Here are some easy steps that can help:
- Set realistic goals. Start small and focus on achievable goals such as eating healthy meals or walking 10 minutes each day. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic expectations.
- Make a commitment. Making a lifestyle change isn’t always easy, so make sure you are willing to put in the work and stick with it! Make the commitment to yourself and your weight loss goals and you’ll be more likely to succeed.
- Track progress. Keeping track of what you eat, how much physical activity you’re doing, and even your moods can help you to stay on track. Keeping a food journal or downloading an app that helps with tracking can be extremely beneficial.
- Stay motivated. Find ways to keep yourself motivated and focused on the end goal of losing weight. Join a support group, get an accountability partner, or make a vision board full of inspiring quotes and photos.
- Allow for flexibility. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have days where it’s more difficult to follow your plan. Life happens and it’s okay to take a break or adjust your goals if needed.
- Get moving. Regular physical activity is key when making lifestyle changes that support weight loss. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and find activities that you enjoy – it’ll make it much easier to stick with!
- Get plenty of rest. Our bodies need rest, in order to function properly, and lack of sleep can have an impact on our weight loss efforts. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and make sure to relax and unwind before bed.
- Eat mindfully. Mindful eating can help you become more aware of your body’s hunger cues and develop healthier habits around food. Take the time to enjoy and savor your meals, paying attention to how they make you feel both physically and emotionally.
- Set small goals for yourself every week such as doing some form of exercise for at least 15 minutes per day, drinking more water, reducing going out to eat, eating your protein first, and practicing good sleep hygiene. Try to make at least one change per week that you can be consistent with so that these goals become your new habits.
- Find balance. Make sure that you’re still enjoying life and finding balance in your routine. Enjoy time with friends, take a break from your diet or exercise plan if needed, and don’t be afraid to reward yourself for all the hard work you’ve done!
By following these steps, you can make sustainable lifestyle changes that will help you reach your weight loss goals. Remember consistency is key for weight loss, so be patient and find ways to stay motivated. Small changes add up and each day is a new opportunity to reach your goals! If you’re struggling to shed those unwanted pounds, feel free to schedule a free consultation with us.