Here’s something I recently admitted on my personal blog: I don’t know how to lose weight. This might sound strange, so let me explain. I’ve been thin my whole life. Up until I had kids, I could eat and drink whatever I wanted without worrying about the consequences. I never had to workout, either. After three kids, if you looked at me, I still look thin but I am totally out of shape. And I am not at all happy with how I look. So I’m now at a point where I want and need to lose weight, but I don’t know how.
Since I’m not used to having to watch what I eat, I have a hard time dieting. I can only go a few days before cheating or saying it’s too hard. And exercise? To me it is a punishment, so I avoid it. Terrible, I know! Here are 5 ways that I’ve come across that I think will really help me lose weight.
Change The Way You Think
Everybody keeps telling me this one. With my negative attitude towards food and exercise, it’s no wonder I haven’t been successful! In order for me to succeed, I need to change my way of thinking. It’s not “dieting,” it’s eating right and taking care of my body. Not just for me, but for my kids, too.
Exercise? Well, that one I still need to work on! I need to find something I enjoy doing…I’m thinking it just might be yoga to get me started.
Everything in Moderation
If I have to deprive myself, I will fail. I know this about myself, and that’s why I haven’t successfully been able to lose any weight. Instead of going on a strict diet, try portion control and moderation.
So what’s a portion? You can use visual cues to remind yourself of average serving sizes: a medium sized apple is the size of a tennis ball. A serving of meat is about the size of your palm. The Mayo Clinic has a great slideshow to help you visualize various sizes of things that you probably eat on a regular basis.
Note to self: next time I want french fries, I’ll order the kid sized ones and I will NOT super size it!
Give Yourself Some Wiggle Room
Shape magazine says to be open about losing weight; you can achieve this by looking for a balanced plan that doesn’t forbid certain foods or food groups. This is exactly what I need!
Include a variety of foods from all the major food groups like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy, and protein sources. But don’t forbid yourself from the occasional “cheat” whether it be something fried, sweet or salty. This will help lead you to long-term satisfaction and weight loss/maintenance.
It’s easier to stay committed when you don’t feel like you are being cheated. Other things that can help you stay committed to yourself include finding a support system (There are so many online! Check out myfitnesspal.com.) and thinking long term, not just next week. I always get so frustrated when I feel like I’m doing all the right things and not seeing immediate results…I guess that takes me right back to changing the way I think, right?
Photo Source: lululemon athletica
