A new year often signifies a fresh start for many people. For some, this means setting health goals, such as losing weight, following a healthier diet, and starting an exercise routine. No shock here but 45% of us make a resolution to lose weight in January. Whether your resolution is to lose a few pounds or a full on life style change. Read on for some top tips on how to keep to that resolution.
1. DON’T AIM TOO HIGH
Set a realistic goal and stick to it. You may have 5 stone to lose but if you set that as your goal from the beginning the likelihood is you will be scoffing a Mcdonald’s by the weekend. Set a small goal.. 1 stone at a time. When you reach it, reward yourself (not with food) and move on to the next goal.
Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. Do not compare your weight loss journey to others. Don’t forget your first week will generally be a high loss so don’t be disheartened when it’s more realistic in week two.
2. DON’T OBSESS
Once you have picked the right weight loss plan/idea for you, don’t obsess over it. Try and carry on with your normal life and see this as a long term lifestyle change. Fit your weight loss plan around normal life, don’t fit your life around the plan because you will soon lose interest and return to old habits.
3. EXPERIMENT WITH RECIPES
If you have picked Slimming World for your weight loss journey there are literally 100’s of different recipes you can create. The reason Slimming World works is because nothing is off limits. Get online (preferably on this website) and search for new and exciting recipes. When I first started with Slimming World I used to ask MrFatgirlskinny for his favourite naughty meals and I would search for/create Slimming World friendly versions.
4. INVEST IN A SLOW COOKER
If you only take just one piece of advice from this article please choose this one. I could not live without my slow cooker.. Usually by the end of the day I lose interest in creating new and wonderful meals for us to devour. I always have more motivation in the morning. That’s the best bit about having a Slow cooker. You can do all of the prep in the morning and dinner is ready and waiting in the evening.
5. EAT BREAKFAST
Not a breakfast person? Become one.. quickly! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Setting you up on the right track, reducing temptation to snack and giving you the energy you need to get you through the day. And no… coffee is not a breakfast.
6. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
Take some time every week to plan every single meal you plan on shoving in your mouth in the next 7 days! Not only will you have no excuse for straying from the plan but it makes your shopping list much easier. Buy yourself a cute food planner book and keep track of everything.
7. DISPOSE OF THE BAD FOODS
It’s 2nd January, my house is still full of Christmas chocolate! Which is why I don’t go back on plan until it’s all gone. Either eat it or dispose of it.. because if it’s still in the cupboard you will give in!
8. REALISE THAT WEIGHT LOSS TAKES TIME
Weight loss does not happen overnight, you will not be at goal next week. Accept that this is a long term lifestyle change, not a quick fix. You cannot go back to stuffing your face next week.
9. GIVE THINGS UP GRADUALLY
If you intend to give up caffeine, alcohol, sugar, carbs etc… don’t give them up overnight. Your body will go into shock, the headaches will come and I guarantee you will give up within 24 hours. I have been there…. Gradually reduce your intake. Reduce to half straight away for at least 7 days, then half again etc etc.
10. GET SOME EXERCISE
If you intend on getting some exercise as part of your weight loss plan that’s fabulous. Every little helps.. but don’t go crazy overnight. You will soon tire of the slog everyday. Start moving more, go for a 20 minute walk each day and gradually increase.
11. DON’T ANNOUNCE YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS
There is nothing worse than feeling pressure to lose weight and feeling embarrassed when you didn’t reach your goal. Trust me I have been there, trolls are very cruel sometimes and I am sure half of my friends and family often think “oh she’s on ANOTHER diet”. You don’t need to tell everyone you are losing weight because they will soon see the results and then you can enjoy the kind comments 🙂 Why add pressure, losing weight is hard enough as it is.
I think my main piece of advice for sticking with your New Years resolution is to change gradually. People tend to go into their weight loss plans without thinking things through. Take it slow and you are far more likely to stick with the changes. Cut down slowly, gradually increase the exercise and you will see great results.
GOOD LUCK, Let’s make 2021 the year of losses. x