So you want to lose weight. Maybe you’re even a little bit obsessed with the idea, or maybe you’ve even been labelled as ‘sporty’ or ‘chubby’ by a mean friend. Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: you want to lose weight, and you want to do it fast. You probably heard about the latest science-backed dieting craze that has hit social media: the caveman diet. But just in case you’re not fully aware of what this diet entails, allow us to educate you.
The Caveman Diet Explained
First things first: the caveman diet is not a diet plan in the traditional sense. What exactly does that mean? Well, the caveman diet encourages you to eat what you want when you want it, without necessarily having to worry about how much you’re eating or whether or not you’re exceeding your recommended daily allowance of calories. Essentially, the caveman diet encourages you to eat what you desire, when you desire it, without restriction.
Now that you’re hopefully familiar with the basic tenets of the caveman diet, let’s dive into how you can embrace this lifestyle to shed those unwanted pounds.
Empower Yourself
The first and most important step to losing weight is to believe in yourself. Rather than trying to emulate what you think is ‘normal’ weight loss, set yourself a weight loss goal that feels reasonable and achievable. For example, if you’re unhappy with how you look and you feel that a healthier, happier you will encourage you to start the journey to slimming, set yourself a weight loss goal of losing one pound a week. Don’t be afraid to set a goal that is a little bit higher than you think you’re capable of; after all, every little bit helps and every pound lost is another milestone on the road to better health!
So, have you decided to take the plunge and give the caveman diet a go? Fear not, my friend, for you are amongst friends and we will walk you through each step of the way. First, consult with your doctor to determine if you’re at a healthy weight range. You should be able to comfortably fit into your skinny jeans once you’re at your target weight, but you should also understand that this might take a while. The good news is that every step of the way is achievable, and with a little bit of patience, determination, and self-love, you will succeed.
Let Go Of The Past
One of the biggest roadblocks to weight loss is the relationship that we have with food: we love it, and it’s very easy for us to reach for it when we want to satisfy our appetites. Oftentimes, when we’re unable to eat what we want because we’re anxious about gaining weight, we end up sabotaging our own efforts to shed the pounds. What we need to do to break this vicious cycle is to let go of the past. So, in addition to setting a weight loss goal, it’s also important to set some time aside to focus on your personal history with food and how you got where you are in terms of your weight. Are you someone who always enjoyed eating ice-cream and cake as a kid and then developed an unhealthy relationship with food as an adult? Or did you grow up in a family where food was scarce and eating was limited to special occasions? The answer to these questions will help you determine how you want to approach food and what changes you’ll need to make to lose weight.
Make A Plan
One of the most critical things to do if you want to lose weight is to make a plan. What does this mean? It means that you’re going to lay out everything that you’re going to need to lose the weight. This could include things like setting up a weekly meal plan or shopping list, preparing healthy snacks, or finding a gym that you can join. Making a plan will also help you track your progress, determine where you’ve been wasting time and energy, and what you need to work on to improve your odds of success.
Another critical component to any weight loss plan is to set realistic goals. Just because you decided that you want to lose weight doesn’t mean that you’re suddenly going to shed the pounds at a miraculous rate. You’re going to have to work hard, and it’s important that you don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic expectations. So, instead of saying ‘I want to lose 10 lb in the next two weeks,’ set yourself a goal that is more in tune with where you are currently, and set a timetable for achieving it.
Dress To Impress
When we are comfortable in our own skin, we tend to dress to impress. This is also going to be an important factor in your weight loss journey since you’ll be wanting to impress others with your new, lean physique. Does this mean that you’ll have to give up your favorite jeans? Of course not, but it does mean that you’re going to have to start paying more attention to your clothes and how you carry yourself. Will you need to invest in new, fitting clothes? Absolutely! But you’re going to look at it as an opportunity to feel more comfortable in your own skin and be bold enough to show the world what you’ve got.
Eat What You Want
Last but not least, we have the food factor. If you want to shed the pounds, it’s essential that you start eating what you want. Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to deprive yourself of the foods that you love, but it does mean that you need to start paying more attention to what you’re eating. If you’re used to relying on takeaways or frozen pizzas to satisfy your hunger, you’re going to have to adjust your habits. Are you someone who craves sugar? Maybe it’s time for you to cut back on the biscuits and try some new, healthier alternatives. Does chocolate still hold a special place in your heart, or have you moved on to try new things? It’s important to understand what drives your appetite and it’s something that can and will change as you adjust your routine to accommodate your new, healthier lifestyle. So, rather than trying to avoid food that you think is unhealthy, embrace the foods that make you feel alive and help you to stay independent as you navigate your new life.
These are the basic steps to losing weight fast without having to cut corners or resort to extreme measures. Believe in yourself, set a plan, and make the necessary changes to achieve your desired weight. From there, it’s all about taking the next step: keep it up, and you’ll soon start to see the results you’re looking for.