Chapter 1: Steps to Take Prior to Starting
Have you struggled with dieting and weight gain for years? And, do you find that each time you lose weight it is easier to regain it and even more difficult the next time you try to get it back off? If you answered yes to these questions, don’t despair because you’re now on your final journey to weight loss success!
You’re going to take the next week and help your body learn how to get its metabolism back where it should be. Actually, you’ll get it better than it ever was as long as you follow the guidelines in this eBook!
Of course, you want to make sure that your body is up to the tune-up first. So, please take the time to see your family doctor prior to starting this weight loss journey and make sure you don’t have any medical conditions that could be affected by some of the recommendations. No reason to hurt yourself when you’re trying to make yourself healthy, right?
Once you get the go ahead, here are the steps you’ll want to follow to get your body re-energized for the next week and beyond:
Even if you’ve tried to lose weight before and not been successful, it’s not a problem. As no two people are the same, you have to learn what specific things help you lose weight and what your obstacles are as well.
Whatever happened last time or the time before when you tried weight loss, it’s time to forgive and forget. Quit holding on to choices you made that didn’t help you reach your goal. What’s done is done and it’s time to move past that.
The fact that you’re even still trying to meet your goals is a great sign! It means that you believe you’re capable of losing the weight once and for all – which is so very true!
So, keep the past in the past, okay? Use your drive and motivation to make today the best day ever! The result will be a tomorrow that’s loaded with joy and happiness because you will have succeeded at finally reaching your goal. How great is that?
Step 2: Engage in Proper Goal Setting Techniques
The reason you’re doing this is because you have a goal, right? Well, what is it? Is it getting to a certain weight or wearing a certain size clothes?
Most importantly, why is this goal important to you? What would it mean to you to have your goal become a reality? For example, would you be more social because you’d have higher self-esteem, or maybe you’d have more courage to ask for that long overdue raise at work if you felt better about yourself?
It is this type of information that will make the difficult times easier. It will be your drive when you just don’t feel like you have the energy to move forward.
Now that you know what your goal is and why, it’s important to take note of a couple other factors that will help make it easier to reach. They are:
Follow these simple guidelines and you’re on your way to achieving your goal!
Step 3: Don’t Start Empty Handed
In order to succeed at anything, you need to make sure you have the right gear. Well, weight loss is no exception to that rule.
Get your fridge and cupboards stocked with healthy, nutritious foods and beverages. And, if you need anything else to help you live a healthy lifestyle, make sure you get that too. For instance, if your running shoes are worn out, make sure you invest in a new pair now so you have no excuses to not get active.
Speaking of getting active, do you plan to sweat it out at home, or have you considered joining a fitness center? You can get a great workout either way, just make sure you include it in your plan in case you want to purchase any new equipment or save up for a membership.
Step 4: Make Your Plan Fit Your Lifestyle
In order to succeed at losing weight, you have to come up with a plan that you can live with. If you don’t, you’ll likely walk away from it before you can realize any true physical changes.
Because you’re going to be adjusting to a new lifestyle, it’s not uncommon to feel a little tired and overwhelmed for the first day or two so keep that in mind when setting your start date. (After the first two days, though, you’ll feel great!)
And, you don’t have to overhaul your entire life to lose weight. Just pick some areas that you’re willing and able to change. For example, if one of your not-so-healthy behaviors is buying veggies but then having to throw them out because you didn’t eat them before they perished, make sure you always cut them up the minute you get home from grocery shopping so they’re handy and accessible.
Step 5: Prepare to Celebrate Your Accomplishments
You’re going to be working so hard to make positive changes, you have to make sure you take the time to celebrate them as you go. Do something nice for yourself when you reach some of your mini-goals to keep your energy and drive going strong.
Not sure what to do? Try to select rewards that are like carrots dangling on a stick in front of you. Set things that you may not ordinarily do for yourself, such as:
Try to select rewards that will help you reach your goal, such as the last two. The more you do to promote a healthy lifestyle, the more likely you’ll make it an everyday habit.