5 Things You’ll Need Today To Help You Lose Weight For Good (and it doesn’t involve food or exercise)
There are so many diet and exercise schemes out there it’s overwhelming. Every time I walk into the Fitness or Nutrition section at my local book store, I feel like I’m reading the same book, in different words, by a different Author. There are definitely some essential steps we have to take in order to reach our weight loss and fitness goals, but its not all about counting calories and working out a certain amount of time each week.
I believe to be successful with goals, you have to have the following before anything else!
—A Support System—
How many of you could honestly get through a day of eating good and really pushing yourself to go to the gym, if your partner is eating your favorite chips in front of you and is too tired to get his butt off the couch? Not many of you I’m sure. Having a support system, whether it’s your spouse, your best friend, or a co worker, is crucial in finding that motivation you need to get you through those not so motivating times. The buddy system is a great for some healthy competition. I know I wouldn’t be able to get thru my workouts and make healthy choices when I’m at home or at the grocery store if my husband wasn’t on board with me 100%. Surrounding yourself with positive people, who have similar goals as you, is a great way to stay on track, without all the Debbie downers trying to sabotage your efforts.
—Realistic Goals—
Goals turn up are everywhere in your life, and they should. You wouldn’t apply for College and just take random classes, wasting your time and money in the long run, would you? You wouldn’t drive somewhere you’ve never been and not look at a map or your GPS, would you? So why would you think about starting a workout program or weight loss goal and not have a clue as of where you are currently, and where you want to be in ‘x’ amount of months? Setting small, challenging, specific, realistic, measurable goals will help boost motivation, make you work harder, achieve more and work better, everyday. Eliminate F.U.D. (fear, uncertainty and doubt)
Grazing throughout the day can add up to hundreds of extra calories. Those hundreds of extra calories will add up to extra pounds in the end if you’re not mindful. Keeping a journal will guide you along your way and keep you on the right track. Even the most disciplined people need guidance and accountability. I personally love filling out my food journal first thing in the morning. This way I know exactly what I’m going to eat and when. If things happen to pop up during the day, with kids or work, I feel less tempted to grab something unhealthy. I stick to the plan, prepare all my snacks ahead of time, keep them in my purse, and I always have a bottle of water on me to keep me hydrated and ward off hunger. You don’t need to be a calorie mathematician at this point, but just start off simple by writing down everything you put in your mouth, no matter how small it is. If you always grab a handful of M&Ms on your way to the office, write it down. Seeing exactly what you’re eating and the portion is a eye opener for many.
—Your Desire—
Take a minute and look inside. What do you desire? How much do you really desire this? Chances are you’re more likely to take something serious if you really want it. Be honest… Are you ready to lose weight and live a healthier life, today? You work hard everyday to be a good parent and a loyal spouse. Why? Because your family means everything to you. You take your job seriously, always moving towards that promotion. Why? Because you want to be successful in the career you worked so hard for. Now what about your health? Your future? Find a few things that you desire to do or be, like entering a fitness competition, running around with your kids, feeling completely confident in that two piece this summer, sky diving etc. Once you have that burning desire inside of you, nothing can get in your way.
—Discipline—
What good is having a support team, if you’re going to keep blowing them off? What’s the point in setting goals if your not making the effort to reach them? Keeping a journal doesn’t make sense if you’re not taking the time to write in it. Why decide to make changes this time if you don’t have a desire to give it your all? All these things involve a little discipline. Discipline is training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character. Without discipline, there would be chaos all around us. This does take some time to master. It’s almost like a habit, you have to work at it.
You now have all the tools you need to succeed. The rest is up to you. Reward success and have a strategy for set backs.