A quick Google search will establish that some of the most common New Year's resolutions involve losing weight and getting in shape. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 49% of adults in the United States tried to lose weight during the past year.
Unfortunately, many people fail to achieve their goals or find they regain the weight they've lost within a matter of months. One way to increase your chances of success is to approach weight loss as a journey instead of a goal. When you focus on a goal, you focus solely on the result. When you focus on a journey, you embrace new habits that help you focus on the process rather than the outcome. Use these tips to create a weight-loss journey that will help prevent discouragement and promote healthy lifestyle changes that will help you achieve your goal and help you keep the weight off for years to come.
1. Document your journey.
One way to be accountable to yourself about your journey is to document your weight loss. Start by taking photographs of yourself and use an online photo storage device to keep photographs from every stage of your journey. If you feel discouraged, you can refer to these images and remind yourself of your progress. Photo storage services, such as photo storage site available from Meet IBI, can also store video footage. With unlimited photo storage on the cloud you can document your long-term progress without worrying about running out of storage for your videos or photos.
If you opt to record videos, you can even talk about your journey. You can also use a journal to record what steps you've taken each day to lose weight. Documenting your progress provides personal accountability. You may not feel like working out one day, but having something to record in your weight loss journal or knowing that you planned to upload more prime photos to your photo storage site may provide the motivation you need to exercise.
2. Explore exercise routines.
There are several different types of exercise routines you can choose from, so don't feel pressured to adopt the first one you try. You may want to focus on specific exercises to target problem areas at first. For example, health and fitness websites like Fitwirr outline some of the best exercises to lose belly fat. If you want to focus on trimming down your waist, you can supplement your workout routine with these exercises to help you achieve specific goals.
You don't have to jog, and you don't need to fancy equipment to lose those love handles. You can get cardio in the comfort of your home and you can work on your belly fat (otherwise known as visceral fat) with exercises like Russian twists, reverse crunches and burpees. You may find that you're motivated by joining a class or a gym or prefer to work out in the comfort of your own home. Don't feel pressured to conform to what others are doing, just be honest with yourself. If you're comfortable and can find an exercise routine you enjoy you will be more likely to stick with your program and achieve your goals.
3. Celebrate every accomplishment.
Do not limit yourself to one goal. For example, if you want to drop three clothing sizes, reward yourself each time you reach a new size. This will help you focus on how far you've come in your journey rather than on how far you still have to go. If possible, combine these celebrations with other personal goals. Perhaps you've always wanted to see a show on Broadway or go to a spa—make these into the treats you award yourself with when you achieve your weight goals. Fulfill these life goals at the same time. This helps you connect your weight loss journey to personal fulfillment and can increase your sense of accomplishment.
4. Focus on your state of mind.
Boredom and depression are just two of the many reasons people overeat. You may also struggle with your body image, which can affect your self-esteem. You may want to use your journal to document how you feel when you're tempted to overeat. If emotional eating contributes to your weight issues, you may be able to lose weight by addressing the reasons you overeat. Meditation and yoga can both help you reduce your stress levels. You may also improve your self-esteem by focusing on your accomplishments. A therapist, dietitian or addictions specialist may be able to help you address emotional eating issues.
5. Discover flavor.
You don't have to give up food that tastes good just because you're on a diet. Use seasonings and low-fat sauces to give your food a boost of flavor. Satisfying your taste buds will help prevent overeating if you get bored with your diet. Some medical experts believe satisfying your taste buds can help you feel satisfied faster, promoting weight loss. Avoiding processed foods can help you focus on specific flavors in your diet and increase your satisfaction.
