8 Ways to Get Real with Weight Loss

DietsInReview

By Kinse

y Lowrey - DietsInReview.com

It's not the occasional dessert or extra helpings that cause you to fail at your weight loss goal, it's the unrealistic expectations that you place on yourself that cause you to fail. All too often, people try the latest and not so greatest diet hoping to drop weight fast. Think of it like this, if all these diets work then why are there so many of them and why are the new ones evolving on a weekly basis?

Our society is obsessed with finding the quick fix. We all want something that will make the pounds drop in a few weeks, which is unhealthy to say the least. To accomplish that, we try the "it" diet of the moment.

Did you know that healthy weight loss (depending on how overweight you are) is about 1-2 pounds a week? Remember, you didn't gain the weight over night so don't expect to lose it that quickly either.

Here are 8 tips to keep in mind for your realistic weight loss journey:

  • Know your body. A lot of us will never be a size 0 or 2, so don't make that your goal. Just because someone is thin does not mean that they are healthy. Your focus needs to be on improving overall health, rather than total pounds lost.

  • Know it's going to take time. Be mentally prepared that you're going to have to be dedicated, and patient, in order to reach you goals.

  • Don't beat yourself up when you slip. Slipping on a diet is normal and will happen. It's how you get back on track that's important.

  • Aim to lose 1-2 pounds a week. If possible, meet with your doctor, a nutritionist or dietitian upon entering this journey. They are nutrition experts who you can collaborate with you to gain personalized strategies and set optimal goals.

  • Reduce calorie consumption. A broad goal is to eat 500 calories less per day than you are now to promote weight loss. If you're currently eating 2,000 calories per day, reduce that to 1,500 calories per day. Incorporate exercise to really see a difference.

  • Set short- and long-term goals. The long-term goal could be the total pounds you want to drop or the dress size you want to fit into. A short-term goal would be to exercise four times a week or to give up soda. Achieving short-term goals fuels the fire to attaining the long-term goal.

  • Keep track. Keeping a food and exercise journal is a proven method toward achieving weight loss and maintenance.

  • Have a support system. Whether it be a significant other, friend, group of peers, or family, you need to surround yourself with positive and encouraging influences.


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