Whether you’re 20 or 50, losing weight can seem like an impossible task to achieve. That’s because most of the time, we want immediate results for the work we put into losing that weight and our hope slowly diminishes when we see nothing but minimal changes in our body.
Instead, we need to look at a weightloss journey as the delicate process it is which requires incredible patience and committed determination and consistency.
Here are a few ways to healthily lose weight and how you can keep it off once it’s gone:
Starting Small
Achieving your desired weight isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time and consistent effort. So, if you’re aspiring to lose around half your bodyweight in the matter of a month or so, then you’re only setting yourself up for disappointment.
Alternatively, Harvard Health suggests that you set small and “realistic” goals, such as losing 5-10% of your starting weight and going from there. You’ll see that setting a goal and achieving it in a timely fashion can help give you the confidence and motivation you need to obtain your weightloss aspirations.
And once you reach that goal, you can set another.
Enjoy the Exercise
Going to the gym before or after work can be such a drag. Not to mention how expensive it can get! And having so many people around you – sweating and grunting and everything – can really turn you off from wanting to drive those ten minutes down the road and back each morning.
Instead, look for other ways to exercise which is not only convenient for you, but that you can actually enjoy and look forward to.
The University of Utah Health gives alternatives that are doable in your own neighborhood and even inside your house. You can try biking, hiking, or going for a walk or run (bring your furry friends along too!). If it’s too cold out or raining, buy yourself a mat and some dumbbells and get to work in the comfort of your own living room with some yoga, push-ups, crunches, and squats.
The only membership you need is to the gym that’s two doors down from your bedroom!
Recreational activities can prove effective, too, like dancing or swimming.
Diet and the Most Important Meal of the Day
With losing weight, working out isn’t the only thing that needs to be done. Having a balanced and healthy diet is crucial in not only achieving your desired weight loss, but for living a more healthy lifestyle in general.
Far too often, people will skip breakfast in the morning because they’re rushing off to work and don’t have the extra 15 minutes it takes to whip up some eggs or have a bowl of cereal. Those same people will then be starving come lunchtime and will often overeat during their midday meal.
We all know what healthy foods we should be consuming – fruits, vegetables, protein, etc.. Just make sure that your eating patterns are consistent and aren’t filled with too much junk.
Keeping It Off
Fast forward to the moment you finally achieve that dream weight of yours that you’ve oh so missed from your 22-year-old body. Now comes the most important part in your journey: maintaining that weight.
There are two essential aspects in keeping that weight off: recording and support.
According to the CDC, it is extremely effective to record all parts of your weightloss journey, from writing down your weight each time you step on the scale, to recording the foods you eat, and planning out future events that might hinder your healthy habits – such as vacations, weekend plans, and other reasons where you’ll be away from your everyday workout station.
In addition to relying on your past-self to tell the “current you” how much progress you’ve made, make sure you have a strong support system of friends and family who are willing to encourage and motivate you to stay committed to your weight loss plan. Sometimes even having a workout buddy can help on those days that you may not want to get after it.
With all this being said, remember that no matter your size or stature, you are beautiful just the way you are! It doesn’t hurt to want to lead a healthier lifestyle, and working out and eating better not only improves your physical health, but it can help bring back that smile of yours that has somehow wandered away.
So, if you want to start losing weight, go out and do it! We’re all rooting for you to be the best you that you can be!
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/7-habits-to-help-you-lose-weight-and-keep-it-off
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2020/03/healthy-gym-alternatives