If you have decided to start a weight loss journey, it is important to track your progress and keep a journal of how things are going.
Starving Is Not the Way
There are many reasons why you might be having trouble losing weight, but one thing is for sure: you can’t lose weight if you’re not eating enough. You also have to eat more nutritious foods and more often. If your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, then it’s going to store fat instead of burning it off.
Working Out as a Lifestyle
Exercise is an essential part of any weight loss program. It will help you get the most out of your diet and it can also lead to better mental health, improved sleep quality and greater muscle strength. To make sure that you stick to your exercise plan, here are some tips:
- Make exercise a priority in your life.
- Make sure that you’re exercising with a friend or group so that you don’t feel alone and unmotivated.
- Set realistic goals for yourself (i.e., if walking 30 minutes per day seems too much at first, start smaller by walking 15 minutes three times per week).
Know What to Cut Out
You’re going to cut out soda and sweets. This includes:
- Soda (fizz, lime, root beer)
- Sweetened coffee drinks (like caramel macchiatos)
- Alcoholic drinks that have added sugar (like wine coolers)
You know how you feel when you drink soda? Well, imagine that feeling every day because that’s how bad it is for your body. Sugar is not good for anyone’s health! It causes weight gain and makes us feel sluggish and tired all the time.
What to Supplement With
After you’ve been working out for a while, your body will start to crave food. You’ll be hungry, but you shouldn’t want to eat the same things you used to when you weren’t exercising regularly. Instead of loading up on carbs and sugar, like most people do in order to get their energy levels back up, try reaching for Greek yogurt and fruit as a morning meal.
Greek yogurt is high in protein and low in fat—and so is granola or almonds if that’s what you choose as your breakfast addition. Both options satisfy hunger without filling you with empty calories. When eaten together, berries, kiwis or raspberries are excellent sources of antioxidants—and they taste great mixed into Greek yogurt!
Smooth Out Your Schedule
Breakfast is an important meal. It’s the first one you eat after waking up and it sets the tone for how your day will go. If you eat too much or too little at breakfast, it can throw off your diet. If you’re eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at the same time each day, then chances are good that you’ll lose weight.
The other thing about food is that there are certain snacks in particular (like nuts) which make excellent choices when eaten in moderation throughout the day. But we mean it when we say “moderation.”
You should also drink water regularly throughout the day because hydration helps to keep things running smoothly inside of your body while also detoxifying harmful chemicals.
Fresh Air & Weight Loss
Making sure you’re getting enough fresh air and exercise is important while you’re trying to lose weight. Go outside every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. If you live near a park or nature preserve, take advantage of it! You can also go for walks around your neighborhood or walk the dog if you have one.
If there’s nothing else available, just open up the windows in your house for some fresh air instead of relying on an air conditioner all day long. It may be difficult at first, but over time it will become easier.
The amount of sleep you get each night will also affect how much energy (or “fuel”) you have during the day—so make sure to get at least 7-8 hours each night before starting anything else!
Track Your Progress
It is important to keep track of your progress. How much weight you have lost and how many pounds you can lift are both good indicators. You should also record the number of push-ups, sit-ups and squats that you can do in a minute.
The more things that you track, the better! If you want to know how many calories are burned during an activity, like basketball or soccer, then make sure you’re jotting these down as well.
Getting Started!
I hope this has been a helpful read for you, and that it will encourage you to start your own weight loss journey. We know it can be scary at first, but don’t worry! With so many resources out there, now it’s easier than ever before.
