One of the most popular goals of the new year is to lose weight, and it's no surprise that many people gain as much as five pounds (or even more) between Thanksgiving and January 1st. If you belong to this club, not to worry--what is gained in that timeframe can be lost in the same amount of weeks (or even less), but it's important to stick to your goals. Since we are almost one week into the New Year, I would like to give some of my tips to stay on track since many weight loss efforts go out the window around this time.
1. Get a buddy.
Challenge loves company so find someone who has some of the same goals you have. Checking in with each other for accountability and even finding solace in each others' gripes can do wonders. When tackling a challenge, it's best to surround yourself with others who have the same goals and efforts in mind.
2. Gauge your results.
Let's face it, weight loss can be a bit of an experiment sometimes and with any experiment, you need to track your progress to see what is (and isn't) working. This opinion I'm about to state may not be popular with everyone in the fitness and weight loss circles but it is one that I live by, even for my own results. Weighing yourself a few times per week will let you know if you're achieving the progress you're looking for. I'm not saying to be a slave to the scale but if your goal is to lose 20 pounds then, in my opinion, it's best to see where you stand on a regular basis. I know of many who have gone weeks without a weigh-in and then come to find that no progress has been made after a lot of time wasted. If after a couple of days, you haven't seen the scale move (or maybe it has moved in the wrong direction), it's time to nip it in the bud and make an adjustment to your nutrition plan.
3. Be prepared.
Half the battle of weight loss is being prepared with healthy snacks and meals, especially if you're a busy person with work, school, or a family. Planning and prepping your food ahead of time will combat situations of hunger, when the temptation and ease of fast food or junk food may take over.
4. Focus on that day when you decided it was time for change.
Most of us have that memory when we decided that enough was enough and it was time to make a change with our eating habits. Where were you when you made this conscious decision and what prompted your desire for change? Write down this memory and have it available as a reminder if you ever get tempted to give up on your resolutions.
5. Get back on that wagon.
It's going to happen (most likely)--a fall off the wagon is usually the catalyst that prompts someone to quit altogether, but don't let that happen to you. It's normal to have a splurge! If you return to your good eating habits immediately after the splurge (and it was probably well deserved!), just jump back on that wagon and feel no guilt.
6. Don't completely give up everything you love to eat.
Of course, you may have to make some adjustments and limit some problem foods like sugar or fast food, but treat yourself to your favorite things just once in awhile--everything in moderation! Also, finding healthier swaps for some of your old time favorites will work wonders. For example, if chips or chocolate is your downfall, look for alternatives that will satisfy your cravings. Check out some of our delicious, guilt-free snack foods here: https://doctorsbestweightloss.com/collections/diet-snacks
Sticking to your New Year's resolutions can be difficult, so hopefully some of these tips will help you stay on track and reach your goals. And even if you do give up (but we hope you don't), you do not have to wait for another New Year to begin again. Cheers to 2019 and we can't wait to see your results!
