Weight loss is a touchy subject for anyone who is on the road to reaching her goal weight. For one, trying to eat healthier can be a lonely process, especially when you order yourself a kale salad when all of your friends get to indulge in bacon cheeseburgers and french fries (but honestly, if your friends do that to you, dump them, because that's just plain cold).
Before you shed another tear from choosing an apple for a snack instead of the slice of chocolate cheesecake, here are 10 ways to lose weight that will still allow you to enjoy your life to the fullest (and by fullest, I mean eating that slice of heaven with no regrets).
1. Find what speaks to your soul
Does running make you tired before you even get off the couch? You are not alone. Although cardio exercise is ideal for weight loss, that doesn't limit your options to running alone. No one likes to invest her time in something she doesn't enjoy. There are many unique exercises that will get your heart pumping. Make sure to find one that you actually enjoy doing and still gets the job done!
2. Don't obsess
Forget the scale. Truly. Only weigh yourself when it's necessary. The more obsessive you become with weighing yourself, the more your sense of self-worth will be overshadowed by a simple number. Also, the scale can actually lie about your progress you're making, especially at the beginning of your weight loss journey due to water weight gain and muscle inflammation. Don't rely on the scale, but recognize how your body is feeling instead. You're worth much more than a number.
3. Detox your life
What better time to rid yourself of negativities than during your weight loss process? Get rid of all the things that are holding you back in life, whether it be negative people, a closet full of clothes you never wear or even just junk food in your cupboard. Clean your life and get rid of the clutter; it does nothing but bad for you.
4. Have an audience
Go on this journey with others, even if you don't know them. Document your weight loss journey through Instagram or simply find someone close to you to keep you motivated or to go on this journey with you. There is strength in numbers, and taking on a weight loss challenge with others will give you the motivation you need to stick to the plan.
5. Forget about everyone else
This journey is about you. Nobody else. Don't worry about what other people think or say about these decisions you're making, and, most especially, don't change your lifestyle for them - change for yourself. You deserve happiness. You deserve to feel your best. You are worth it. Your happiness is the most important part of this process.
6. Don't quit cold turkey
The thing about quitting something you have indulged in for so long is how difficult it is to stay true to that decision. Sadly enough, sometimes your stomach (and the smell of freshly baked brownies) can overpower your desire to stick to your healthier diet.
We're all human, and we make bad decisions sometimes, but when you do have cravings for one of your favorite sweets, feel free to give in from time to time so you can focus on eating healthier the rest of the time. Ease into a healthier lifestyle slowly but surely. And remember, if you do have a cheat day, don't beat yourself up about it.
7. Make a plan
Make a plan that works for you, and don't have simple start and end dates. List milestones you hope to accomplish along your journey, and reward yourself for achieving those milestones. The smallest steps always lead you to the biggest one.
8. Write it down
Take the time to write down the reasons you want to lose the weight. It will open your eyes to the importance of your goal and motivate you to keep going. Writing down your goals and continuing to keep up on it can give you the clarity you need on the days ahead.
9. Have balance in your life
Many people who get wrapped up in exercise and eating right unknowingly neglect their social life or their sleep, which are both necessary to maintaining happiness and determination. Create a balance in your life. Make time for friends and family and set aside times to just relax and get a good amount of sleep each night. Although exercise is important, the other things are more so, as they will keep you on the path to your goals.
10. 'Treat yourself'
Find a way to indulge in your favorite treats without ruining your hard work. For example, Fiber One offers a variety of treats and desserts with a fraction of the calories but with the same delicious flavor. Not only that but they are full of fiber Fiber which aids in weight loss, so seriously, treat yourself. You deserve it.
