It’s that time of year again when we’re bombarded with over-hyped diet books and fitness DVDs telling us how we can lose the pounds we’ve put on over Christmas.
We’ve heard it all before, and once our new year enthusiasm has worn off, we’re back to square one. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
Don’t believe the hype
When it comes to weight loss, there is no simple solution. Buying the latest workout DVD or healthy eating cookbook isn’t going to make any significant difference to your weight.
Alternatively, a realistic approach could do wonders for your waistline. Ask yourself, do you want to shed those pounds for a special event – and will you be happy to regain them again afterwards? Or do you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the long-term?
While low-calorie milkshake type diets can be a useful method to kick-start a weight loss plan, if you’re in it for the long haul, then you have to be prepared to make some permanent changes to the way you eat.
Take a common sense approach
It’s important to say straight away that there is no secret way to achieve weight loss. It’s just common sense. You need to reduce the calories you eat and increase the calories you burn off.
Simple? Of course, we know that it’s not. It takes discipline and motivation. The trick is to do things you enjoy. And don’t set yourself up to fail by making unrealistic resolutions.
For example, are you really going to work out at the gym three times a week? Or is going to a dance or fitness class with a friend once a week a more realistic scenario?
Instead of trying to make drastic changes to your life, start with a low-key approach. Just walking and doing gentle stretching exercises at home can increase your mobility and fitness levels. Once you begin to feel healthier, you may then decide to go to the gym, take a class or go swimming.
Find what motivates you
Think about what’s going to motivate you to stick to healthy eating habits. Do you feel happier when you’re a particular size? Are you more active and energised when you’re slimmer? Do you want to be fit enough to run around with your children or your grandchildren?
Every one of us has different reasons for wanting to lose weight, but it generally boils down to two main factors: improving your health and appearance.
It’s these objectives that you need to keep in mind when you embark on your weight loss plan. Tap into your motivators and don’t allow yourself to forget why you want to achieve a healthy weight.
Track your weight loss progress
Once you’ve identified your motivators, you should then set yourself a goal. It helps to have a realistic target to work towards.
Weight loss milestones should mark your progress towards your ultimate size – this could be losing 1 pound, 5 pounds or 10 pounds. Whatever you feel is achievable for you.
And in this age of connected technology, it’s not difficult to track your progress. Whether it’s monitoring your weight loss on an app, hopping on the scales, or measuring your waistline – choose a method that lets you easily see how you’re doing.
The pleasure you feel at losing that first pound in weight or inch from your waistline will spur you on to lose more.
How does your waistline measure up?
Waistchecker is a simple, colour-coded tape measure designed to help you keep track of your weight loss – letting you see your progress at a glance.
Make a start. Buy Yours Today