On top of everyone’s New Year’s Resolutions as 2019 rolled in is, yes you guessed it, weight loss. However, we all should have realized by now that losing weight is easier said than done, and most of us just throw in the towel by March. Weight loss involves undoing years of bad habits and it simply just cannot be achieved by figuratively turning over a new leaf in the new year.
Before anything else, you need to develop the correct motivation for your weight loss resolution. Taking weight loss at face value, you’d normally cut down on everything and starve yourself – but that isn’t the right foot to get started. This will only take you until the end of January before you start bingeing on cheat days to make up for eating only two spoonfuls the rest of the week. You need to see your weight loss journey as a fresh start towards a brand new lifestyle. Motivate yourself towards the goal by focusing on the benefits weight loss can give: better overall health, lower body fat ratios, increased energy levels, improved digestion, and a more confidently beautiful you.
Now that we’ve got your thoughts flowing in the positive direction, here are 6 sure-fire ways to keep your 2019 weight loss resolution towards a ‘New Year, New You’:
1. List down all the unhealthy habits you need to give up
Put together a list of unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits that you need to say bye bye to in 2019, like eating too many donuts, putting too much sugar in your tea, or eating takeaway pizza at least thrice a week.
2. Set a deadline
Deadlines give you a sense of urgency and purpose. Mark that deadline on a calendar posted somewhere where you can see it all the time – that way you don’t lose sight of the goal and keep your weight loss right on schedule.
3. Formulate an action plan
Creating specific plans on how to achieve your weight goal is crucial to succeeding in this journey. Jot down on a calendar your month-to-month short-term goals, your workout schedule including which days should be for weight training and which days should be for cardio. Having your week or even month planned out in advance takes out the guesswork and last-minute decisions out of the equation so you can always be on track.
4. Be accountable to others by involving your family, friends, or co-workers
Having the right kind of support behind your weight-loss journey makes a world of a difference on your success. Involving others will keep you accountable as they regularly check in on how you are doing.
5. Create a score sheet
Draft a score sheet so you can keep yourself accountable by awarding yourself points for goals accomplished. The goal is to make perfect marks every day in all areas of fitness: diet, workout, and water intake). Writing it down will make it more likely for you to stay on track.
6. Reward yourself
When you complete any goal, reward yourself. This reward doesn’t have to be food-related. Go shopping, spend a day at the spa, or get a new hairstyle. These are all great rewards for getting closer to the ‘New Year, New You’!
A New Year’s weight-loss resolution is what you make it. When you can clearly visualize the end goal and the specific steps you need to do to get there, you are better equipped for success.
These tips were adapted from New West Physicians’ original article here.
How is your weight loss journey going so far? Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know in the comments below!