It’s a new year, and hopefully, a new you. If your list of resolutions includes dieting and losing weight, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, most people give up on their resolutions by February. You don’t have to be one of them. Here are five tips to help you achieve your weight loss resolution.
1. Be Realistic
One of the main reasons resolutions fail is because people set unrealistic goals. It’s great to be ambitious, but trying to make too many big changes at once may feel overwhelming and discouraging.
Try making a few small changes at first, and adding to those changes over time. Instead of making a goal of hitting the gym five days a week, try starting with two or three. If you don’t think you can manage a complete diet overhaul, try starting with a simple change, like adding leafy green vegetables to every meal.
Setting realistic goals is the first step to success.
2. Make a Plan and Plan Ahead
Now that you have goals set, it’s time to make a plan on how to achieve those goals. What steps do you have to take to reach your goals? What things do you have to sacrifice?
Maybe your action plan includes hitting the gym three times per week and eating two healthy meals per day. You’ll have to sacrifice a few things to make these actions a reality. Maybe you have to wake up an hour earlier to hit the gym and only get take-away once a week.
Keep your action plan simple, and don’t make yourself give up everything at once.
3. Keep Track of Your Progress
Lack of motivation is another reason people give up on their resolutions. Keeping track of your progress can help you overcome this issue.
Let’s say you lost two pounds this week. Seeing that progress will give you motivation to keep going and losing more.
Keep track of everything you’re doing, from your food habits to your mood and exercise routine. If you’re starting a strength training routine, make note of any gains. If your new diet is giving you more energy and making you happier, make note of these changes, too.
Tracking and reviewing the fruits of your labor, or the benefits of your changes, will give you all of the motivation you need to continue towards your goal.
4. Work with a Professional
If this is your first time starting a fitness routine, consider working with a professional trainer. If you have no idea where to start with your diet, consider working with a nutritionist.
Personal trainers can be found at local gyms, or you can find them online using Google or a search service like FitnessTrainer.
A trainer will help you create an exercise routine that will help you reach your goals. A trainer will also keep you motivated, hold you accountable and keep your workouts interesting by introducing new exercises.
5. Form a Habit
According to experts, it takes about a month for a new activity to become a habit. After six months, that habit becomes a part of your personality. Changes don’t happen overnight, so keep pushing and be patient.