Keep a food journal: I know that this one comes up a lot in my posts but I really do think it is one of the best things you can do for lasting weight loss. Studies have shown that keeping a food journal is one of the key factors in helping to keep weight off.
Have a good support system: Whether you have friends and family or you go online for your support it is always good to have it. Having people that believe in you and encourage you to keep going will help you to stay on track.
Be mindful: Remember, you are changing your habits so you have to pay extra attention to how you eat. It can be temping to sit in front of the T.V. with a bag of chips and some soda but think of what you could do instead. Maybe you could substitute the junk food with nuts and vegetables, or you could create a habit of not eating while watching T.V. Whatever the habit may be that you are about to do, be aware in that moment and think of what you want your new habit to be and how you can change.
Make your weight loss a priority: You need to make this all about you, at least in the beginning. Talk about the workout you did yesterday, or that you ate in your calorie range. Be proud that you lost a pound or an inch. Buy yourself a new outfit, or a set of dumbbells. It's alright to be a little selfish in the beginning of your weight loss journey because it is a time for establishing and sticking to new habits.
It's okay to say No: Your friends and family may mean well, and as I said above they can be an excellent support system, but also be weary of them testing you even if they don't consciously mean to. It's okay to say no to a second helping, or turn down an invitation to a buffet. The beginning of your weight loss journey is all about starting new habits and making changes that better you, so don't feel bad for turning down things that can be detrimental to you staying on track.
Participate in an activity that helps you stay on track: You can have a workout buddy, join a sports team or even write a blog. It is always a good idea to be part of an activity that allows you to make weight loss a part of your lifestyle. The more you engage in activities that keep you motivated, the easier it will be for your weight loss to be lasting.
I hope these tips have helped. If you have any suggestions for a blog post or any feedback feel free to leave a comment. Thanks for reading. Take care!
