So many of us struggle to reduce our waistlines. If you feel like you’re stuck in an endless cycle of weight loss, read below for a few tips to help you establish longer lasting and healthy habits.
Partial commitment
Even though you might really, really want to lose weight, actions speak louder than words. So if you constantly think about fitting into a smaller clothing size, but exercise only every other week, you are probably a victim of partial commitment. Break your goal down into measurable and specific steps and stick to this plan. This is not to say you can’t treat yourself or skip the daily exercise on the odd occasion, but educate yourself and know how to make up for any over indulgences.
Work smart
Whether you want to slim down for health or aesthetic reasons, it’s worth considering what modern technology and medicine can offer to ensure you’re on the right track. Have a check-up with your doctor to rule out underlying conditions that are affecting your ability to lose weight. You may also want to consult an accredited dietician to develop a meal plan. Cosmetic procedures can also assist you to achieve the look that you want, so whether it’s liposuction in Melbourne or a tummy tuck in Sydney, conduct some research to see if any of these procedures will compliment your weight loss goals.
All of these methods require an investment on your behalf, but doing it right from the outset will save you time and ultimately money, there’s no use jumping on the latest weight loss fad if it doesn’t suit your lifestyle (or wallet) in the longer term.
Too much, too soon
Opposite of the partial committers are those who are over eager. Buying every supplement, shake personal training package and specialist meal delivery service at once is an expensive exercise. If you don’t have the luxury of a limitless budget, it is more economical and efficient to make smaller changes to your lifestyle and gauge the effect they are having on your weight. An expensive gym may not be necessary if you simply need to head out for a longer walk each day or bust out some strength exercises using your own body as resistance.
When you incorporate healthier habits more incrementally (and realistically), you are statistically more likely to lose weight and keep it off in the longer term. Cutting out sugar, carbs, alcohol and caffeine cold turkey is admirable, but being human sets us up to binge later down the track after a hard day or emotional event.
Sleep
This is a simple, but often overlooked aspect of health and weight loss. Especially if you are upping your exercise levels, the body need adequate time to rest and adjust to the physical challenges that you are placing upon it. More sleep also means less chance of late night snacking to keep you going after a long day and studies have indicated that when you’re overtired, your body is less efficient at burning calories.