6 Steps for Success with Weight Loss

January 25th, 2012 · 1 Comment · Healthy Living

Did you know that 1 out of every 3 adults in America are overweight or obese? Pretty scary, right? How about this statistic… 1 out of every 4 kids in America are as well. With an increase in eating processed foods, spending more time playing video games or cruising the internet, and guzzling soft drinks, it’s no wonder that Americans are expanding at the waist. The health concerns that stem from being overweight or obese are staggering. Sure we’ve all heard what we can do to make our bodies healthier but integrating that into our lives is sometimes difficult so we are laying out 6 easy steps for success with weight loss.

Get Prepared for Success with Weight Loss

Get ready! Stock your fridge with healthy foods for weight loss.

Get ready! Stock your fridge with healthy foods for weight loss.

Changes in eating habits are never easy at the start but once you have been following your new (self-regulated) rules for a couple of weeks, it becomes more like second nature. In order to get to that point, you’ll want to prepare yourself mentally by evaluating and identifying the reasons you are on the road to weight loss. Be honest with yourself and choose goals, both short and long term. The sooner you are realistic with your expectations and health, the sooner you’ll fully accept this new path you are on to a healthier you.

Write it Down for Success with Weight Loss

Yes, keeping a food diary is just another thing to add onto your list of things to do that day but it really is an effective tool. Writing down the foods you eat can help you stay focused and disciplined. No one is reading your entries except you so be honest with everything you consume in a day: drinks, meals, snacks, everything. If you’re monitoring what you eat, maybe you’ll be less likely to pick up that donut in the break room and instead choose to bring something delicious and healthy instead!

Choose Wisely for Success with Weight Loss

Choose wisely and drink enough water for success with weight loss!

Choose wisely and drink enough water for success with weight loss!

Start small and then build up! Choose to cut back portions of salt, sugar, and fat slowly so that you don’t feel deprived of things you love. Once you’ve cut those back try choosing healthier foods and smaller portions which lead to weight loss. The three meals you eat a day should include lean proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Calorie counts vary from men to women so check this tool to see what is right for you and aligns with your weight loss goals. When you set out to enjoy a meal, do so but make sure it’s fuel for your body and not something that will add to your weight. Want to learn more about healthy eating habits and how it can improve your health and shrink your waist line? Take a look at a recent blog here.

Be Realistic for Success with Weight Loss

You’re not going to start this journey and lose 15 pounds a week until you’re slim and trim. It took time to put the weight on, now it’s going to take some time to see if go away. One to two pounds of weight loss a week is a common goal and one that is realistic and healthy. Losing more than that each week means you may be burning muscle rather than fat! Weight loss can fluctuate week to week so try not to be discouraged and focus on the positive work you are doing for success!

Curb Cravings for Success with Weight Loss

Choose healthy meals for success with weight loss!

Choose healthy meals for success with weight loss!

Everyone likes a snack or dessert and we should all have them…in moderation! Try to cut down on snacking between meals and, if you must snack, choose low-calorie foods like fruit and veggies. This is an important part of weight loss since, more often than not, when we mindlessly munch at our desk or have a little nibble here and there throughout the day, we don’t think about those calories we are consuming.  Snacks are important to keep our metabolism running strong throughout the day but be careful what you choose. Keep the food journal will help you see where you have weak moments throughout the day (remember those donuts in the break room?) and will help you stay on track with this goal as well.

Move Your Body for Success with Weight Loss

Get moving for success with weight loss!

Get moving for success with weight loss!

Exercise burns calories, keeps you fit and toned, increases energy, and helps you sleep better. The health benefits of exercising are numerous and aside from keeping your heart fit it can also boost your mood, benefit your sex life, and reverse the signs of several types of diseases. What’s not to love there? Don’t rely solely on exercise for weight loss however; your diet is an integral part of the strategy to lose weight. Interested in how working out in the morning can help you stick to moving toward a healthier you? Read this recent post.

We get it—you might be saying: “I already screwed up on my resolution” or “It’s not even January 1st!” but the first few steps towards a healthier lifestyle don’t only have to happen at the start of each New Year. It’s never too late to get started with good health. Use these 6 steps for weight loss and enjoy results and success.

Find more information here about how to keep your resolution going and check our website for our newest section, the weight loss products we believe in!

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