Long-term weight loss requires a lifelong commitment, but focusing on the difficult road ahead may discourage you before you even begin. Rather than concentrating on how far you have to go, take it one day at a time. Make small, healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle, and before you know it, you will be on your way to a slimmer you. Check with your doctor before you start a weight-loss plan.
Make Diet Changes
Do not put yourself on a fad diet or cut so many calories you are left starving and feeling deprived. Instead, start by assessing what you already eat. Read the labels of the food in your pantry, and look for ways to make healthier substitutions. Start adding more fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and lean protein to your meals, and eliminate excess sugar, salt and fat. Simple changes, like saying no to a piece of cake or having fruit and yogurt instead of a croissant for breakfast, can help you eliminate calories and put you on the path to a healthier diet.
Get More Exercise
Get off the couch and move more. Starting with as little as a 10-minute walk a day can get your heart pumping, burn calories and help motivate you to become more active. Choose activities you enjoy doing, and work your way up to exercising for about 30 minutes at a time. Set aside a block in your schedule every day to do some form of physical activity, and stick with it.
Push Past Plateaus
Once you have started dropping pounds, you may hit a plateau and notice your weight loss beginning to stall. This is common. As your body loses weight, you will not burn off as many calories as you used to, and you will need to either eat a little less, exercise a little more or do a combination. Try no to become discouraged by this momentary setback. Instead, add five to 10 more minutes to your nightly walk, or switch to riding your bike. Cut out a morning snack or your after-dinner dessert. If you are still not losing weight, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Keep it Up
Continue following a healthy diet and working out once you have reached your ideal body weight. You can ease up on your diet slightly, and perhaps exercise a little less, but you will need to keep up with both to prevent gaining the weight back. Consult with a nutritionist if you need help designing a meal plan to maintain your new healthy weight, and look for ways to stay active without growing bored.
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