It’s a New Year, and you want to lose that weight that managed to sneak up on you over the last few weeks, months or even years! Studies show that gym attendance skyrockets in early January, as folks struggle to keep their New Year's resolutions to lose weight, become fitter, and follow a healthier lifestyle. Let’s admit it; it’s hard to stay focused these days since we live such hectic, crazy lives.
Each year, so many of us make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get healthy. Now that the holiday goodies have stopped showing up at our doorsteps and desks, there’s no excuse. It’s a good time to get in health mode so we can look forward to looking and feeling better. Wanting to lose weight is a start. Breaking down this daunting task into achievable changes is what we need to get the job done for weight loss.
Tips to Stay Focused and Reach Your New Goals
Start Each Morning with a Healthy Breakfast
Doing this will put you ahead of the game each day. Pick out something high in protein and fiber and low in calories. This can keep your belly full longer so that you don’t eat the wrong foods at lunch. It’s an easy way to start the day off healthy without the guesswork and gets you closer to your weight loss goals each day.
Look Before You Eat
Ordering takeout food or even visiting a fast food restaurant doesn’t automatically mean you will pack on the pounds. Just know what you are eating and do your best. Most restaurants post on site or online the calorie count of their meals. Pick one that’s under 500 or 600 calories. Many websites include fast food/restaurant guides to help you make healthy choices when you’re in a rush or on a budget.
Portion Out Your Foods
It’s important not only to stock your house with healthy foods and snacks but also to portion them out into baggies when you buy them. This helps ensure that you only eat one serving whether you’re in front of the TV, at work, or on the go. Overeating can cause those pounds to creep up on you. You can also prepare healthy foods such as sliced-up cucumbers or peppers if you get the urge to munch. You’re more likely to reach for those—since they are ready—rather than high-calorie, easy-access foods like chips, candy or something frozen. Protein bars, nuts or shakes are convenient meal replacements or snacks to keep with you on the go.
Health-Conscious Socializing
Hanging out doesn’t have to mean eating out. Instead of going out for dinner or drinks to catch up with friends, go on a hike or walk to catch up. What a great way to get in a workout while catching up with friendly conversation. Plus, you save money and burn calories.
Smart Condiments
The calories in creamy sauces and dressings can really add up. Stock up on low-to-no calorie toppings like pico de gallo, hot sauce, mustard, pepper, vinaigrettes and even parmesan cheese in moderation. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the weight will come off without sacrificing taste.
Commit to Your Workout Schedule
It doesn’t matter whether you go to the gym, run around the block or work out to your favorite movie. Make sure to set the times in your schedule to work out and stick to them. Plan your other obligations around those times. Working out is vital to your health and your life, and making it and yourself a priority will not only help you meet your weight loss goals but help you live a better life. If you think it would help to work out with a friend or your significant other, it doesn’t matter—whatever it takes. Having a buddy system helps tremendously, keeping each other accountable means added support and fewer excuses.
Lay Out Your Workout Clothes the Night Before
This can make a big difference not only in saving time but also making sure you commit to actually doing the workout. If you don’t work out at home, pack your gym bag the day before and always have it ready in your car or at work, so there’s no excuse not to work out.
Drink the Healthiest Meal of the Day
Replacing one meal a day, even a snack, with a protein shake is the simplest way to lose weight and get the nutrients you need for optimal health. By targeting nutrition, fullness, digestion, and detoxification, shakes can provide a multifaceted approach to help you feel full, shed fat, reduce food cravings, improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and have more natural energy—all through a delicious 100-150 calorie shake.
Remember, making a weight loss resolution and then achieving the same resolution are two different things. Within one week, 25% of us have already given up on our goals with only 8% of us successfully reaching our goals. The key, when it comes to creating new habits, is sticking to them long enough for them to become ingrained. It takes around two months for new habits to become automatic, so let’s do it!
