Losing weight can be a daunting task. No matter how many diets you’ve tried, for some reason you can’t seem to shed the excess weight. Losing weight is a process – it doesn’t happen overnight. However, over time,making simple changes to your lifestyle can have an immense impact on your life, as well as your weight. These six simple steps will help you to finally lose those extra pounds:
1. Go to bed early and rise early
If you have a bad habit of going to bed late and not getting enough sleep, it could be detrimental to your health. A study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University revealed just that: committing to a regular sleep schedule resulted in lower body fat.
Getting enough sleep will also leave you refreshed and ready for the day. You will have more energy to do the things you want and need to get done. You will have the motivation to be healthier; to drink more water, eat better, exercise and take care of your body.
2. Stop eating when you start to feel full
One of the biggest things stopping you from losing weight is how much you are eating. Eating mindfully can help you lose weight because you will simply be consuming less calories. Stop eating when you start to feel full. Eat off a smaller plate and without distractions. Focusing on your meals instead of the television can help cut down on empty calories. Studies have also found that mindful eating
can help manage binge eating disorders and obesity.
3. Raid your pantry
Raiding your pantry and getting rid of all of your unhealthy food is perhaps the easiest and smartest thing you can do to help you lose weight. If you don’t have any treats in the house, you will need to choose healthier options as a snack. Keep up your healthy stock of food when you go to the grocery store. If you keep unhealthy foods out of the house, you’re more likely to eat healthier and lose the weight you want.
4. Stop comparing yourself to others
Your mindset is also an important part of your weight loss journey. Your beauty is not defined by others. Your body is yours and yours only. Do not try to lose weight to be like someone else. Deciding to lose weight to be healthier for yourself will help you stay motivated.
5. Find your motivation
While you should love yourself no matter what, loving yourself gives you motivation to be your best self. If your motivation is just a number on the scale or a certain size, your resolve might crumble. Deciding to be healthy so you can be there for your grandchildren, or to keep up with your energetic kids will help you stick to your goals. Decide to live confidently no matter what your situation and keep yourself motivated each day.
6. Your willpower can bring about immense change
The only thing stopping you from change is yourself. If you keep putting off working out until tomorrow, you will never go to the gym. Your sheer willpower is the key to losing weight.
The Journal of Consumer Researchran a few studies about the power of saying “I don’t” in order to keep your willpower in check. By saying things like, “I don’t need that cookie” or “I don’t need to have dessert” will keep you from cheating on your diet and mentally strengthens your resolve to commit to your goal.
Losing weight needs to be conscious decision that comes with a commitment to change your lifestyle. Getting support from friends and family will help you stick to your goal. Take control of your life and do what is right and best for you to start reaping the rewards.