If you want to lose weight but you’re not sure where to begin, follow these tips for help. Many people have goals to lose weight, but they don’t have a plan. I’m sure you already know to eat more fruits and vegetables, so I won’t bore you with that piece of advice you can find in any article. You need a solid exercise routine, for one, followed by a good diet to get where you want to be. Use these diet tips to lose weight:
1) One Step at a Time
You’re not going to lose 20 pounds overnight. If you want to lose weight, don’t focus on how much you need to lose. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds, that’s going to take some time. If you don’t see results fast enough, motivation levels could go down. Instead, focus on small steps to reach your ultimate goal. 1 – 2 pounds a week would be a good place to start.
2) Don’t Use the Scale Too Much
Stepping on the scale to get your weight can be both exciting and worrying. It’s the moment of truth to see how well you did – or didn’t. Don’t do this on a daily basis. Body weights fluctuate regularly and as we said, you won’t lose weight overnight. If you weigh yourself every single day, you will be unhappy with the results because there won’t be any. Pick a day of the week and a time that works for you. Use this day/time only once a week to weigh in. You’ll maintain motivation as well as excitement with this method.
3) Find a Partner – Diet Tips to Lose Weight
Collaboration with a diet or workout partner will definitely help to keep you on track. You can rely on each other to keep yourselves in check. Share ideas, ask questions, and discuss your journey with someone. You will greatly benefit from doing this, and you’ll have someone that’s counting on you. You and your diet partner will lose weight together and get healthier!
4) Use Multiple Success Measures
How much you weight isn’t the only way to measure progress. Sure, if you’re on a diet then you probably want to lose weight. But there are other physical and mental aspects of eating better. You’ll notice a change in your physical appearance even if you aren’t losing as much weight as you’d like. Pay attention to your arms, face, and core. You will see noticeable differences, especially if you’re working out, and this might not correlate with weight loss. You will also be in better moods more regularly, so take that as a win!
5) Make SMART Goals
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic/Relevant
- Time-Bound
Set a goal such as, “I want to lose 10 pounds in three months.” This is a goal that you can realistically attain, and you can measure if you are successful within the time frame. SMART goals are designed to increase your chances of reaching your goal. For example, your goal could just be, “I want to lose 500 pounds.” Sure, this is specific and even measurable, but is it attainable and realistic? Losing 500 pounds is a lofty goal – so make sure you can do it – and give yourself a time limit.
6) Get Rid of Your Junk Food – Diet Tips to Lose Weight
Do you have a junk food drawer in your house or refrigerator? If so, this step might be difficult for you. Throw it all away. If you are home now, stand up, walk to your hiding place, and pitch it all. You might cry, but it will be worth it. You might be thinking, maybe I’ll just keep it in there and give it to “insert name here.” You won’t. You’ll keep it and eat it! If you get rid of it now, you’ll thank me later. Or at least you’ll be more likely to succeed in your diet journey.
7) Throw a Mini Party
When you step on the scale and realize you’ve lost 5 pounds, have a little celebration for yourself. No, don’t celebrate with the junk food you just threw away! Do something else that you enjoy doing. Grab a coffee with your diet partner, go on a shopping trip, buy something from Amazon, or do whatever you want to celebrate your success. This will give you something to look forward to every time you reach a goal.
8) Grocery Shop Only After Eating
I’m sure you’ve heard this one, but it’s a tip that’s hard to follow. Have you ever been starving while shopping? You end up spending about $200 dollars then go home and have a bunch of ice cream and Resse cups. If you have a full stomach when grocery shopping, you’ll be much less likely to buy unhealthy food. Make your list when you’re full, then stick to that list.
9) Add Exercise to Daily Activities
If you have an exercise routine, that’s great! If not, then try to set yourself up for success. When you go to the store, park as far away as you can. This will give you more exercise than you normally get. If you work in a big building, take the stairs instead of the elevator. When you look for places to add some extra activity, you’ll find a lot of places for improvement. This simple step will have you shedding the pounds faster than you can imagine.
10) Hire Help if Needed – Diet Tips to Lose Weight
Steps 1-9 can be difficult for a lot of people. If you find yourself having trouble, and you have the extra cash, hiring a professional can help. You can use a trainer, nutrition specialist, or health coach to keep you on track and help with goals. Oftentimes, when an individual is paying for help, they’re more likely to succeed and continue with their goals. If this sounds like you, then it won’t hurt to try!
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