Losing weight, especially if you have long-term weight loss goals, can get more and more challenging as the days drag on. It can be hard to find the motivation to stick with your weight loss program. The best weight loss regimen is one that combines healthy eating choices with daily exercise. Instead of an unsustainable program, choose a routine you can keep up with in order to give yourself a fighting chance.
Step 1
Incorporate your family into your routine. If you are the only one eating right at the dinner table, it's going to be a lot more difficult to keep up your diet, watching your family eat all the foods you can't have. If your family eats the same healthy meals you do, they'll be sure to notice if you're sneaking in a few scoops of ice cream after dinner.
Step 2
Expect the road to weight loss to be difficult. According to dietitian Vicki Saunders, being perfect is not the goal to losing weight effectively. There will be some days where you will crave a candy bar or an ice cream sundae. Indulge your cravings in a modest way--eat a snack-sized candy bar or a small portion of ice cream every once in a while. Eventually, these cravings will pass, but you can't expect it to happen all at once.
Step 3
Exercise with a partner. According to Miriam Nelson, author of "Strong Women Stay Young and Strong Women Stay Slim," bringing a buddy into your exercise routine will make it more difficult for you to skip out on sessions, because you will not only be letting yourself down, but letting your partner down as well.
Step 4
Avoid getting overwhelmed. Instead of making weight-loss goals for the end of the month or year, make daily goals. "Focusing on a big number can be overwhelming," says Judith S. Beck, PhD. Every morning, write a diet and exercise goal based on how you are feeling on this particular day. This way, you won't get wrapped up in the big picture and get discouraged.
Step 5
Reward your weight loss efforts. Every week, if you have made your weight loss goal, buy a little something for yourself or treat yourself to a reward. For instance, get yourself a massage or give yourself an hour to read a book in the bathtub if you maintained your diet and exercise goals for the week.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid making food a reward for weight-loss goals--these rewards are counterproductive.
- Consult your doctor before getting started with a diet and exercise routine.
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