Weight loss pressure is something nearly everyone has experienced. This is not surprising, especially considering the ever present images of fit, lean celebrities and models who are supposedly “healthy” and “perfect”.
Many of us have begun a weight loss regime, only to become discouraged and give up when results don’t come our way. It is important to remember that everyone’s body works differently, however there are a few simple things to keep in mind when deciding to lose weight. Read on for a health reality check!
Manage Your Expectations
Successful weight loss comes from managing expectations, and you have to realise that expectations are different from goals.
We may expect to avoid the temptation of unhealthy treats 24 hours a day, 7 times a week, however this is not only unreasonable – it is not a realistic weight loss goal. Things like “I will eat perfectly at every meal” and “I will not touch chocolate” should be replaced with an overall goal of x kilograms with manageable goals attached to this such as “I will eat x amount of calories a day”, “I will go to the gym x times a week” and “I will keep a regular food diary”.
Our Coopers Plains Personal Trainer Nicole – 2011-2014
We All Make Mistakes
Speaking of managing expectations, no one is perfect. Focusing intensely on a goal can motivate us, but it can also drive us to be overly self-critical. Deciding how to deal with our mistakes is one of the first steps towards beginning a healthy weight loss journey.
One setback is sometimes enough to discourage us all together, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Rather than “giving it all up” when you skip the gym or eat one day’s worth of calories in a moment of weakness, remember this – “one bad meal/missed training session doesn’t make you fat, just as one healthy meal/completed training session doesn’t make you skinny”.
If your setback comes in the form of an injury, remember that our bodies have an incredible memory. Although it may be difficult, getting moving again will never be as hard as it was at the start.
Process Makes Perfect
Achieving healthy and long-lasting weight loss is a challenge, and you have to ensure that you focus on the process in a positive way. Some ways to do this include:
- Recording your workouts with a phone app or smartwatch
- Aiming to reach a target number of steps each day
- Focusing on including a certain number of vegetables or fruits in your diet
- Aiming to get a specific amount of sleep
- Promising to eat breakfast every day
If you work towards these as opposed to dwelling on constant negativity (I won’t eat this, I’m not allowed that) you will find that working out and eating well become a lot more enjoyable.
If you need help setting goals or dealing with setbacks, you should make an appointment with one of our incredible personal trainers! They live to help people reach their ideal selves, and would love to hear from you! What’re you waiting for? Contact us today!
