Author: Bethany Cox of YoNaturals Vending
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are overweight or who struggle with obesity, chances are you’ve attempted to lose the excess weight at some point in your life. You’ve tried every diet plan available, have made promises you couldn’t keep, and have become fed up with the struggle to live a healthier lifestyle. While losing weight is possible, the truth is that it isn’t easy for most people. There are no miracle solutions or quick fixes. However, with the right mindset, you can set small goals to begin losing weight and start living the way you’re meant to live. By making goals you can begin to make the small but important changes that are so vital to a healthy lifestyle.
Before Setting Goals:
As with any journey, it is necessary to do some preparation beforehand. Yes, this means checking in with your doctor, but it also means doing the necessary emotional work needed to lose weight. Begin by keeping a journal where you write down your daily thoughts. When you overeat, write how you feel at that moment, both before and after eating. Examine why you want to lose weight. By understanding the emotional aspect of eating, you’ll be better prepared for your weight loss journey.
Goal 1: Write it Down
The first step is to write down your weight loss goals. Make the goals small and attainable. For example, “tomorrow I will walk the dog,” or “tomorrow I will drink 3 glasses of water.” The most important thing is to make sure your goals aren’t unrealistic or unattainable. On a separate sheet of paper, you may write down your long-term goals, but don’t pay too much attention to these just yet. By making small, realistic goals you’re more likely to stick to them without getting discouraged.
Goal 2: Food Replacement
The next goal is to slowly replace the foods you love with healthier alternatives. If you’re someone who lives on candy bars and soda pop you can’t expect to immediately stick to a plan of eating nothing but vegetables. In fact, you won’t feel satisfied this way and may turn back to your old way of eating. For example, begin by replacing a candy bar with an organic protein bar. After that, slowly incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Before you know it, your daily habits will begin to transform.
Goal 3: Get Moving
Don’t sign up for that marathon just yet, but do make a goal to get moving. This might mean taking the flight of stairs at work, walking for 10 minutes, or playing with your kids. Again, don’t make unrealistic goals. Of course, as you feel yourself getting into shape, you can make the goals harder to reach.
Goal 4: Take it Easy
Reward yourself for positive choices, but more importantly don’t beat yourself up for making a mistake. You are human, and you may occasionally slip up. The important thing is not perfection. It’s feeling better about you by making positive choices. And if you beat yourself up for every little mistake, you definitely won’t feel any better. So take it easy!
The most important thing is take it day by day. Setting small goals will allow you to do this, and YoNaturals Vending Business can help as well. Eventually you’ll be able to take out that sheet of paper with your long-term goals only to discover that you’ve already reached them.