Losing weight, as many of us know, isn’t easy. In the short term, we can follow a plan and may see a couple of pounds drop off; but real change – the result of developing better eating and exercise habits – takes effort, patience and time. Whether you’re just getting started or feel stuck in a weight-loss rut, these tips will help you improve your perspective and move forward with your goals.
1. Make health a priority
Your body is the one thing you have that will be forever yours – so take care of it! Treat your body with the same importance you do other obligations that are a priority in your life. You wouldn’t blow off a business meeting, right? So don’t blow off that trip to the gym or cooking session to create a healthy meal. Never miss an opportunity to make yourself as healthy as you can be. This is one investment that will bring back true rewards, for life.
2. Don’t skimp on sleep
Sleep is one of the most important things you can do to support good health. Even 30 extra minutes can make a different in your mood, energy level and hormone regulation. With good sleep also comes appetite regulation: your body is less likely to send out false signals that it’s hungry (when it’s really not). If you feel fatigued during the day, take a few minutes to rest before making the decision to head to the vending machine. It may be that your body needs sleep, not food.
3. Fill up on fruits and vegetables
With vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, fruit and vegetables should make up a significant portion of your daily food intake. Having a hard time adding them in? Try filling half your plate with raw or cooked veggies or fruits at every meal. Not only will you cut calories and fat, but you’ll be nourishing your hair and skin, as well as your immune and cardiovascular systems.
4. Be committed to a full-body fitness routine
Physical activity is like brushing your teeth—100 percent required! Whether you exercise in the morning, during the day or at night, aim to build a fitness routine that works with your daily schedule so there’s no excuse for missing it. At the gym, do a combination of cardio exercise and weight lifting. Resistance training is important for building muscle, which ultimately will help you burn more calories.
5. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Drinking water will not only help keep your body’s processes functioning well throughout the day, it may also help beat tummy rumbles, as feelings of hunger are sometimes actually thirst in disguise. As a rule of thumb, try to drink half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you’d need 70 ounces of water per day.
6. Laugh and be inspired
Beat stress, boredom and fatigue – and the mindless munching that comes with them – by talking to someone who is positive, inspiring and who makes you laugh. Connecting with people who are energetic and lively can pump you up and improve your mood. Instead of grabbing a snack, call or visit a coworker, friend or family member, someone who will give you a boost and leave you feeling supported. You’ll have a renewed sense of energy without the 300 extra calories you would have downed with a triple caramel latte.