Losing weight is the goal of many individuals worldwide, but unfortunately there is no simple way to drop the pounds such as taking a pill or simply wishing them away. Losing weight takes determination and commitment to a healthy diet and exercise plan, and even then it can take longer than we hope for. So, what can you do to lose weight and keep your sanity? The following five tips should help you out:
Lower Your Expectations
If you begin an exercise or diet plan, or both, and have heard you will lose incredible amounts of weight in no time at all and it doesn’t happen, you feel let down and may lose motivation and the same dedication to carry on which will cause your diet to fail miserably. However, if you are more realistic to begin with and realize that most people lose 1-2 pounds per week on a healthy exercise and diet plan, then you will be better informed and can expect these types of results ahead of time rather than being disappointed.
Don’t Tell Everyone You are Dieting
When people first start diets they tell everyone about their great weight loss plans. This can frequently work against you because people will judge your weight loss progress and make you feel uncomfortable, especially if you eat something they don’t believe is part of your diet plan. This can give you a complex and derail your efforts or increase your insecurity. So simply start your diet, inform close family and friends for support. This should help you keep your sanity and make good progress.
Don’t Eliminate a Food Group
Many times when you eliminate a complete food group from your diet you feel as if you are really sacrificing too much and you will simply lose your sanity and your diet will fail. On the other hand, if you eat a well balanced diet and allow yourself little treats along the way, you will lose weight without torturing yourself. This will make it more likely for you to continue eating well, too.
Household Support
When you start a diet you need to make sure the entire household will support you in your efforts. If you are not eating sugar yet your spouse continues to come home with cookies, ice cream, and doughnuts then you will have a hard time sticking to the diet and you won’t feel much support, either, which will drive you crazy. So, make sure your entire family is ready to support you and if they choose to eat unhealthy, they should do it away from the home.
Work Out
Losing weight takes a lot of time, which can really test your sanity. However, if you combine your diet with a regular workout routine then you will see much quicker weight loss, have more energy, sleep better, and simply feel better about yourself. This will help you stay true to your weight loss plan.
Try these tips when you are feeling discouraged and get back on track!
