 What
You Need to "Survive" in the World of Weight Loss
Perhaps they should
make a reality show about losing weight - now there's a real challenge!
As anyone who has been on a diet plan can tell you, it's easy to fall off the
bandwagon and say "to heck with it!" Or maybe you begin to think
that all this work just isn't worth it. It's easy to let those thoughts
creep into your mind. You get on the scale and find you've gained a pound
over the week, despite all your efforts. Or, maybe you haven't been able to lose
weight after a month. You go to dinner with a friend and he gets the "Super
Duper Chocoholic Brownie" dessert while you munch on the fresh fruit
plate. Not to mention, he's thin and trim and has never had a weight problem.
If thoughts of abandoning
your weight loss program are lurking, don't let them take hold or take
root. Read on for the CaloriesCount.com Survival Guide to Weight Loss!
- Dump the "on-again,
off-again" mentality
If you're looking
forward to the day when the weight comes off and you can eat everything
you want, think again. The day will come when you finally reach your weight
loss goal, but if you start eating everything in site, the day will also
come when you are back to square one. Losing weight and obtaining a healthy
weight is about making lifestyle changes. Try to change your mentality
and realize that the changes you are making now will be with you for good
(if you want to maintain your weight loss). If you're unhappy with the
changes you are making and feel dissatisfied, it's time to reevaluate
those changes. If you're unhappy now, you certainly won't stick with those
changes over the long term!
- Make a mental
(happy) note
Losing weight has
a lot to do with your attitude. You've got to believe in yourself and
believe in your goals to make it work. If you're negative, it will affect
your success (or lack thereof). Work on becoming more positive. Look at
the benefits this weight loss will bring you … reduced risk of chronic
disease, more energy, etc. Not to mention you'll probably feel a lot better
about yourself.
- Don't try to
move mountains
When you first begin
your weight loss journey, you may be very excited and "rarin' to
go." But some of this excitement may wear off as reality sets in.
That's why it's important to set small goals first. Disappointments can
be a real setback, so don't set yourself up for failure. For example,
if your high school reunion is coming up in two months, it's unrealistic
that you'll lose the 30 pounds you want to take off. (Remember, you didn't
gain 30 pounds in two months, so you won't lose it either.) However, you
can expect to lose between four and 16 pounds (over the course of a two-month
period) - which will most likely make you look and feel better. You can
work towards your goal of losing 30 pounds over a longer term.
Making healthy lifestyle
changes is not about deprivation. And, chances are, if you do deny yourself
you'll end up overeating more often. If you're at your favorite restaurant
and love their chicken fingers and fries, go ahead and order them. However,
maybe you should consider eating half of what you normally eat. Split
the other half with a friend or take the rest home for another meal. Remember
that a "splurge" is something you don't do all the time, so
make sure you keep it that way!
- Realize you
will have setbacks
It's reality time.
When it comes to your weight loss plan, you should realize that you will
have setbacks. You may find that you regain a pound here or there on your
road to weight loss. Or, you may find that you can lose weight immediately,
but shortly afterwards you hit a plateau and it takes a few weeks before
you lose weight again. Whatever your setback, realize that it is not permanent
and it's something almost everyone experiences when trying to lose weight.
The important thing to do when you have a setback is to reevaluate your
priorities, find out what is working and what's not and recommit yourself
to your goals.
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