So you want to lose weight.
You’ve made the decision – it’s time to make some changes and get some results. But what are you waiting for? Where do you start? How much weight can you lose?
It’s a question we’re all asked a million times, and it’s not easy to answer. There are so many factors that play into your weight loss goals – your current weight, your age, your lifestyle – that it’s hard to know where to start. It’s not like there’s a quick weight loss recipe you can follow and end up looking like Nicole Kidman or anything. We’re not saying you’ll never get that lean silhouette you’re dreaming of. But it’s going to take serious work and some commitment to make it happen.
So here’s where you start. By taking some time to consider how you’ll approach your weight loss journey, and what you’ll need to do to get there. We talked to various experts to get their take on what will help you to lose weight, and how long it will take you to get there. Here’s what they had to say.
1. Eat What You Want
We’re going to assume that you’ve already made the decision to lose weight. That’s the first crucial step. Deciding to lose weight and actually committing to making lifestyle changes that will help you to achieve your goal is the next step. So you’re not going to starve yourself or deprive yourself of anything. You need to know what you’re allowed to eat and what you need to avoid.
Your diet is one of the most important considerations in your weight loss journey. If you want to lose weight, you’re going to have to cut back on the foods that have been proven to increase our waistlines – the junk food and the processed foods. You’re also going to have to up your intake of foods that will help you to lose weight. These are the kinds of food that our body needs to function and build strong muscles. They’re also the kinds of foods that promote brain function and mood stability.
In order to reap the benefits of a healthy diet, you have to be willing to make some changes in your daily routine. You may have to cut back on the fried food, the fast food, the sweets, and the sodas. This is going to be tough because these are the foods that your body probably craves. But you’re better off knowing that these are the types of foods that will break down your muscles, and not helping you to reach your goals. So it’s a balance between what you want and need. Find that balance and you’ll be on your way to healthy weight loss.
2. Skip The Gym
Let’s be honest. Working out at the gym is one of the most appealing things about reaching a certain weight. You can shed off those extra pounds, look fit, and feel great. But as we’ve already established, your diet is one of the most important factors in your weight loss journey. Skipping the gym, especially at the start, can be a smart move. Instead, invest your time in the weight room at home, or even outside. You can do some push-ups, pull-ups, and use some body weight to work out. You don’t need expensive equipment to achieve results. Changing your workout style and focusing on functional movements will help you to develop strong, solid muscles that will serve you well in the future.
3. Consider Psychological Factors
It’s no secret that losing weight can be a stressful process. Big changes are often accompanied by intense, emotional responses – both positive and negative. Consider the stress that comes with making changes to your diet and how you carry yourself. Are you feeling anxious? Tense? Depressed? Weighing yourself every day, and being conscious of the numbers on the scale, can be psychologically taxing. The experts advise taking time to work through these emotions. To distract yourself from the persistent anxiety that comes with dieting, take up a new hobby. Join a club or take up a sport. Engage with other people, and get out of the house. Changing your routine and making new friends can help to lift your mood, and put you in a better place to succeed in your weight loss journey. This is also a good time to consider whether or not you’ve reached the end of the line with your current diet and lifestyle. If you’re not prepared to make some serious changes, it may be time to admit defeat, and try again later when you’re prepared.
4. Take Advantage Of The Weather
Speaking of defeat, here’s another factor that can influence your weight loss. If you live in an area where the evenings are chilly and damp, it may be difficult to get yourself out of the house, and into the gym. Even if you have a membership, it may be easier to stay in, and rely on the heater to get you through the winter months. So if you’re a fan of staying indoors, and avoiding the cold, then you might want to consider making some changes to your lifestyle in the winter. It’s better to exercise in the morning, before the weather gets too frosty. That way you’ll get the most out of it, and avoid any risk of over-exertion, and injuries. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, for the exercises you plan to do, and don’t forget about stretches and warm-ups before you begin.
Start Small
If you’ve never lost weight before, and are completely overwhelmed by the idea of changing your life-style, then it may be wise to start small. Shed off a few pounds, and see how you feel. Find a gym that has a barbell and some weight-training equipment. You’ll be able to do some simple exercises, and get the hang of it. If you feel great, and want to continue, you can look into buying your own gym equipment, or joining a gym. Working out at home is also an option, as long as you have the space, and the equipment to do so. Beginner’s luck!