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How to Accomplish Your Weight Loss Goals

through Positive Lifestyle Change

If you are trying to lose weight, you probably already know that there are aspects of your lifestyle that need improving, but it is much easier to think about what needs to be changed than to actually put a plan into action. Everyday pressures like jobs and family seem to take up all of your time, and it is common to use these as an excuse to avoid making positive changes in your life. But if you are serious about losing weight and improving your health, you are eventually going to have to take the plunge.

Some common barriers that prevent positive change

When it comes to making the changes necessary to lose weight and keep it off, we are often our own worst enemy. The first step toward overcoming this problem is to think about what is holding you back. One of the most common barriers to weight loss success is the psychological limitations we place on ourselves, whether or not we do so consciously. Many people share the misconception that, just because their parents or other family members are overweight, they are doomed to be fat as well. While genetics do have some bearing on obesity, having a family history of being overweight does not necessarily destine you to be fat, as well. But this belief can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, as those who think they have no choice but to be fat are unlikely to do anything to avoid it.

Another obstacle to making healthy lifestyle changes comes from the supersize society in which we live. Although none of us really want to be overweight, our culture places a huge emphasis on food, and we are encouraged to eat as much as possible. Restaurants offer all-you-can-eat menus, and food portions are out of control. We are bombarded with advertisements for calorie-laden treats, and even school lunch programs cater to fast-food tastes, rather than nutritional content. With all of these negative influences, it can be tremendously difficult to focus on eating only what we need, instead of eating for self-gratification.

Fear of change is one of the biggest deterrents to adapting a healthy lifestyle. It is normal to wonder whether change will be too difficult, whether you will be able to stick with it, whether you will miss the habits that you found comforting, and whether you will have support from friends and family. You may be concerned that no matter what you try, you will not be able to achieve your weight loss goals. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to overcome your fear and set out on the road to better health.
 

Breaking down the barriers to success

Even if you have already tried and failed to lose weight, you can get back on track and succeed. Take some time to consider what went wrong for you: did your healthy diet go out the window because you felt hungry, or you missed your favorite foods? Did you start an exercise program that fizzled because you got bored to quickly? Once you have figured out why you did not succeed, the following guidelines can help you start over.

1. Be informed. Educate yourself about good nutrition and exercise. Learn why the right nutrients are necessary, and why eating too much of the wrong foods can be harmful to your body. Get to know why exercise is important and how regular physical activity can benefit both your body and your mind; doing so can help you develop your enthusiasm and stick to an appropriate exercise program.

2. Take it one step at a time. No one expects you to change everything you do overnight, and if you try, you are virtually guaranteed to fail. Introduce healthy changes gradually, and they will soon begin to seem normal to you. For instance, if you drink coffee with cream and sugar every morning, try substituting low-fat milk, and cut back on the sugar just a bit every day. If you hate to exercise, do some yard work or take the dog for a long walk every day instead. Once you have incorporated one healthy change into your lifestyle, add something new – before you know it, your body will begin to change, and you will experience an increased sense of well-being.

3. Set realistic goals. Setting goals is important when you are trying to lose weight; they help you keep track of your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. However, if your goals are unrealistic, you can quickly become frustrated and discouraged. Rather than promising yourself that you will fit into your pre-baby bikini in two months, for example, set a goal of exercising for at least 30 minutes, three times per week; once you have met this goal, assign yourself a new one, such as increasing the intensity or length of your workouts. Small, measurable goals that are challenging, yet doable, will help to keep you motivated and on the right track to weight loss success.

4. Develop a support system. Losing weight and getting in shape is difficult, and it can be nearly impossible if you do not have a good support system. Explain what you are trying to achieve to your friends and family, and ask them to help keep you motivated; people who care about you can be invaluable when it comes to bolstering your willpower and cheering on your efforts. A weight loss support group can also be an excellent resource for keeping you focused on your goals.

The most important thing to remember is that even if you slip up every now and then, your efforts are not doomed. If you overdo it on the weekend or over the holidays, don’t beat yourself up – in fact, allowing yourself a day or two every month to indulge will help keep you on the right track the rest of the time. Whenever you get discouraged, think about all you have accomplished, and what you will continue to achieve as you become accustomed to your new, healthy lifestyle.
 

Exercise and Aging (video) by Larry Golding is available here!

WARNING!

If you possess a high number of fat cells you MUST exercise & diet using correct scientific principles in order to empty fat cells, any other way will result in water loss and potential regain after diet stops. Read more on Fat Cells here!

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