It seems like there’s a new weight loss trend every single day – and they all have mixed messages. Some diets say it’s bad to eat carbs while others stress the importance of incorporating carbs into your diet. The same goes with fats and even with what kind of sources people should be getting their protein from.
How can someone understand what weight loss looks like with so many different trends? By focusing on fundamental weight loss rules rather than trying to find a quick fix for their body.
The truth is losing weight takes time. It’s a process that requires discipline and understanding. It’s not one size fits all, and it’s not something that will offer results right away.
Still, losing weight is entirely obtainable if you put your mind to it!
Here are 7 rules that can help you make the most of your weight loss journey.
1. Research Different Weight Loss Options
There actually is some truth to most of the weight loss fads out there. It’s possible to lose weight in many different ways, even if some of those approaches contradict one another.
The key to succeeding at your weight loss attempts is to find what your body is most receptive to. This goes for both your new eating habits and your exercise routine.
You also want to think about your lifestyle as you’re choosing a weight loss option.
After all, it’d be hard to hit the gym every single day if you work long hours or to eat organic foods if you’re a little tight on money. These things shouldn’t be excuses to not lose weight at all. However, you’ll be able to better create results if you choose a weight loss system that best fits your life.
2. Talk to a Specialist
If you want a better understanding of what weight loss approach would be best for you, talk to a doctor. This can be your regular caretaker or a weight loss specialist. You may even get a referral from another doctor as to who can best help you figure out how to lose weight.
Either way, just make sure you talk to someone who knows how the body works. They can help you understand what’s really going on in your body and what needs to change in order for you to lose weight. They’ll walk you through everything from basic nutrition needs and healthy levels of activity to giving you supplement insights and a bit of extra motivation.
3. Set Clear, Attainable Goals for Yourself
The next rule of losing weight is to be practical. You don’t want to try and do something like lose 10 pounds in a week or drop 5 clothing sizes in a month. These are radical changes that usually only come with extreme measures.
You want something more sustainable. Taking the weight loss process a little slower makes you a lot more intentional about your actions. It helps you reach the goals you’ve set for yourself and to turn healthy living into your new way of life, not just something you use to shed weight.
4. Don’t Be Too Harsh
Keep in mind that even practical goals are hard to reach. Maybe you’re well aware that you can’t lose 10 pounds in a week, but maybe it’s a little discouraging to see you’re only losing a bit of weight as each week goes by.
Progress is still progress. Also, it’s not the end of the world if you hit a setback.
What you’re really doing when losing weight is trying to take better care of your body. So, start by taking care of the words you use and how you treat yourself during this process. Be kind to your body and be willing to create a little flexibility as you experience the ups and downs of losing weight.
On the other end of the scale, though, notice when you’re being too lenient on yourself and not giving weight loss your best effort.
5. Plan for Success
People are usually harsh on themselves when they fall way off the wagon – like having an entire cheat day instead of a cheat meal or not breaking bad eating habits. The best way to offset the chances of this happening is to plan ahead.
You won’t end up in the McDonald’s drive-through for lunch if you remembered to pack your lunch. You won’t have trouble making time for the gym if you make it a part of your daily routine.
Always remember: failing to plan is planning to fail. A lot of your success when trying to lose weight comes down to this. You have to plan out each of your meals every day and your periods of activity if you want to create a steady path to reach your weight loss goals.
6. Drink Lots of Water
Here’s an interesting thought: drinking more water can help you lose more weight.
It’s not a fad or a quick fix, it’s a real solution to your weight loss problem. Water is an essential part of all the body’s functions. It’s necessary for good digestion and for healthy energy levels, both of which are needed to see your weight loss plans through.
More than that, water can help you curb hunger and cravings. Most of the time that you think you’re hungry, you’re actually just thirsty. Try drinking a glass of water before you reach for a snack, and drink a glass before every meal, too. This will make you feel full and help you recognize the signals your body is trying to tell you.
7. Stop Waiting to Get Started
The final rule of losing weight is to stop waiting! There’s no need to put this off until Monday rolls around again. It makes no sense to wait for a new month or even a new year.
The time is now. This is your chance to show up for yourself and to begin the transformation you’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s the middle of the week, the year, or just the middle of the day, your weight loss journey can start right this second.
The Most Important of All Weight Loss Rules
In addition to all the weight loss rules mentioned above, there’s one more you should know: be consistent.
Weight loss isn’t something you can put the effort in today then pause tomorrow. It’s not a Monday-Friday thing that allows you to eat your heart out on the weekends. The best way to see results when losing weight is to make it a part of your life; change your lifestyle and your body will respond with the results you’re looking for.
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