Did you promise yourself you would lose a few unnecessary pounds at the beginning of the year? How is that working out for you?
Just because you may have lost your motivation at the end of January to pursue your healthy weight, you can always pick up your plan. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:
#1) Set short- and long-term goals
You may want to set a long term goal and choose to break it into smaller short term goals. An example of this may be to lose twenty pounds over a six-month period, but to lose four pounds on average each month. Short term goals can help you stay motivated. You also need to make sure you are setting a goal that is measurable. Try not to set a goal that is simply to lose weight. There would be no way to track your progress and could make it harder to stick with over time.
#2) Write daily reminders
Using daily reminders can help you maximize your chances of sticking with your goals. You can post sticky notes around your home, at work and in your car to help remind you of what you are going to do to achieve your goals. Or, set a reminder in your car to go to the gym or an alarm on your phone to buy healthy food.
#3) Keep a daily journal
There are numerous benefits to journaling. You can write reflections about how you feel and what you are thinking. In addition, you can journal about what you are eating each day and how much you are exercising.
#4) Try new foods
Most people know that to achieve a healthy weight, you need to eat healthy. Why not try new foods? Look up new and healthy recipes to try. You may find substitutes for unhealthy foods and this can help you change your diet.
#5) Reward yourself for small achievements
Each month or each week you should track your progress and reward yourself for meeting your goals. You can reward yourself in many different ways. Find what is important to you and get yourself that item or experience. Rewards for accomplishing your goals can help turn a goal into a lifestyle.
