Okay, so we know that it can be extremely difficult to keep up with a weight loss plan. We can’t help but indulge on a cookie or two…or 5 here and there. It happens.
But when you’re struggling to fit into last year’s ultra skinny low rise jeans you loved so much, it’s time to buckle down. If you’re at a loss as to how to begin, here are a few tips to get you on your way to achieving your goal weight:
1. Keep track of your calories
Monitoring your calories each day may seem annoying, but it can help you more than you think. Understanding is the first step. One pound equals 3,500 calories, which breaks down to 500 calories a day. Doing a combo of exercise and cutting calories to reach 500, could help you lose a pound a week.
To keep track, use a journal by jotting down everything you eat each day…yes, even that piece of cake you grabbed after lunch. Then weight yourself once or twice a week to see your progress.
2. Eat five times a day
I don’t know about you all, but I need to pack multiple snacks in my lunch to munch on throughout the day just keep from that starving feeling. UGH right?
In order to prevent that famished feeling that drives us to overeat, you should plan on eating three meals and two snacks a day, timing them so you eat every two to three hours. A sample schedule could be:
7 a.m. — Breakfast
9:30 a.m. — Snack
12:30 p.m. — Lunch
3:30 p.m. — Snack
6:30 p.m. — Dinner
3. What to eat
Every time you decide to chow down, be sure to include protein to satisfy your hunger, fiber to fill you up, and healthy carbs to sustain your energy. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be between 300 and 500 calories each, and the two snacks can be about 150 each. Break them down according to your needs and cravings.
4. Get moving
Your diet isn’t the only part of your weight loss dilemma. You can’t forget to exercise. In order to burn calories to reduce your overall body fat, include 60 minutes of heart-pumping exercise five times a week. We know it’s tough, but a nice walk at lunch time just won’t cut it. We suggest biking, running, high cardio exercising, etc.
7. Set small goals and celebrate them
Losing weight is no small task. It’s a journey so it helps to set smaller goals along the way to your big goal. You can find healthy ways to reward yourself such as treating yourself to a pedicure or going to your favorite store to pick up a new top.
6. Be patient and remember why you’re doing it
Losing weight is a process. Just as you tacked on the pounds, it takes time to shed them off. Patience is key. Just as you start reaching for that cupcake, remember what your reasons are for losing weight. Let that keep you motivated. It is as easy as saying “I want to look good in those skinny jeans again!” You’ll get there!
What are your tips for reaching your goal weight? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter: @LucilleRoberts
