No one likes to hear the word “diet”. We cringe at the very thought of having to go to a gym. We know we need to lose weight but we don't know where to start.
It seems every time we try a new health and fitness fad we fall flat on our butts, give up and go back to our unhealthy ways. When will the vicious cycle end? Are we ever going to get a grip on this healthy lifestyle thing and make it happen?
It's frustrating, to say the least, and coming from someone who has experienced this cycle, can be very stressful and disheartening.
In this day and age with a booming wellness industry it's any wonder we all don't look like fitness models. It's also a wonder why they expect us to be fit and healthy and look like models when fast food chains are on every street corner and they still sell greasy burgers and fries, donuts and croissants and everything else that is terribly bad for us.
How on earth are we supposed to turn up our noses to the smells of baked goods and deep fried yummies? It's not easy. I totally get that. I had to completely retrain my brain to get me back on track and feeling fit and healthy again.
This is how I did it and if you're struggling right now, I hope these tips can help you too.
1. Do not use the word “diet”.
I choose to tell people I simply watch what I eat and have changed my daily eating habits. To say that you are going on a diet automatically puts you in high anxiety mode. The word itself freaks people out and they associate it with failure.
Don't tell yourself you are going on a diet, simply say you have decided to make healthier food choices part of your every day regime. Doesn't that sound nicer?
Related: How to Control Your Hunger.
2. Losing weight can be fun.
It doesn't have to be stressful, right? Why should it be? Putting on the weight wasn't fun but taking it off can definitely be enjoyable.
You can make a game out of it
. Healthy food is colorful so why not have fun with it. Red peppers, oranges, green leafy things, yellow beans. How absolutely beautiful your plate will look. Admire it, be grateful for it, enjoy it.
Remember too, as your clothes get looser, you get more excited. Yippee!
3. Eating healthy doesn't cost a fortune.
Depending on where you live, you can pick up fresh produce from your local farmer's market and they don't charge an arm and a leg. A meal at McDonald's can cost you up to $10 and I'm positive that you can make yourself a nice healthy meal at home for much less than that.
4. Being healthy is very important to me.
You already know that the result of losing weight is going to be nothing less than sheer bliss. You're tired of feeling like crap and you know you feel like that because of the poor food choices you are making.
It is time to take control of your eating habits in order to achieve good health. In our golden years, we don't want to be plagued with health issues due to the unhealthy lifestyle we maintained throughout our entire lives. We want to live a vibrant and healthy life right to the end.
5. My self confidence will reach an all time high.
We all know overweight people that are completely happy and full of self confidence, and thin people who have low self esteem, insecure or are unhappy.
With that said, however, there is a number of overweight people that do struggle with self confidence and self esteem issues. If you are one of those people then you must believe that when you do lose weight your self confidence will soar through the roof and you will begin to feel like a whole new person.
6. There are tons of benefits to exercising.
For those of you that dislike exercise, and some days I am part of your group, remind yourself of all the awesome benefits.
What about that energy you will have all day? Your metabolism kicks into gear, your skin glows and you look and feel more radiant and beautiful (and people notice that!).
It also improves your mood, helps give you a better, sounder sleep and has even been known to put that spark back in your sex life! The pros of exercise definitely outweigh (pardon the pun) the cons - so why not enjoy a bit of exercise every day!
7. I can still enjoy the odd treat.
Watching what you eat doesn't mean you must go into anxiety mode with counting calories, portioning dinners, blending shakes and foaming at the mouth when you see a chocolate bar commercial on TV.
You should definitely still allow yourself a little indulgence every now and then. As a matter of fact, most health and wellness experts will encourage you to have a treat at least once a week. This way, you won't end up binge eating and making yourself sick. Have a treat, but set a limit.
Read also: How to Stop Craving Bad Foods.
8. I can do this at my own speed.
I'm not in a race and I don't set unrealistic goals. If it takes a year to lose 40 lbs, so be it.
We all lose weight differently and have our own goals. Trying to compete against someone else will only cause stress and the feeling of failure if they happen to achieve their goals before you.
Take your time, be realistic and enjoy the journey.
Eating healthy and exercising is a lifestyle change, not something you do for 6 months and then give up. It's your life, you only get one. You owe it to yourself to take care of YOU!
What is your plan to get rid of the excess weight, or how do you keep fit?
