Effective Ways to Make Lifestyle Changes

A lot of people know how to shed some pounds, but keeping them off is where it gets tricky. Think of weight loss like saving up for retirement. Those who managed to save enough money for retirement did it by consistently setting aside money over a long time. Give yourself that same degree of consistency and patience. Small changes add up, and in time, you will reach your target. Check out the steps below, and STAY THE COURSE!

Step one:

Journal your intake. I know that most people would rather not .... But if you journal your intake non-judgmentally, you will have a true picture of your habits and can use what you learn as a guide for determining changes you can make and maintain long-term.

Many people regain weight lost because they made changes that were difficult to maintain, like trying to follow some random diet plan. Make changes you are confident you can maintain, their effects will be long-lasting.

Step two:

 Retirement investments start off small relative to what they become after years of working. You ever heard the saying do not write a check your butt can't cash. The same goes for setting goals.

Start off with no more than one or two goals at a time. By pacing yourself, you will be able to re-evaluate your strategy based on what you find works best for you physically and psychologically.

Step three

Find a buddy or someone to keep you accountable. For some people, this might be their dietitian. At first, touch base with your accountability buddy at least once a week. As your new habits start to stick, you can check in less frequently, but make sure you have someone to hold you accountable. Reverting to previous habits is common. An accountability partner can help you refocus sooner.

Staying on track isn't about sticking to one specific goal toward reaching your main objective (e.g., improved mobility, improved health, etc). As long as your main objective stays the same, you can always set new goals along the way.

Step three:

Celebrate your wins, but not with food. The outcome of celebrating a win with food can be devastating. Consider a self-care service. Go get a massage, if you like manicures or pedicures, go get one. Try treating yourself to a class that you have always been interested in, like yoga or boxing.

Always acknowledge your wins. Recognition of your successes is a way of showing appreciation for yourself.