Tips for Overcoming Weight Loss Hurdles
You want to lose weight. Maybe you have health issues being exacerbated by those extra pounds, and you know you need to make a change, lest you risk serious damage to your body.
You really want to feel better about your body, and feel more confident in your own skin. But you are just not getting the results for which you hoped. You just can’t seem to break some of those “bad” habits. Your motivation is high for a bit, and then plummets out of nowhere. The discouragement and self-loathing begin to kick in, and before you know it, you are right back where you started.
Everyone that has tried knows how hard it can be. It is easy to look at people who achieved the same goal you are hoping to achieve and think they must be superior to you in some way or must not have faced the same challenges which are stalling your efforts at every turn. But the reality is, in most cases, this is likely not true. These people faced many of the same barriers and overcame them. This is not bad news… it is great news. It means it is possible for you too. Here are three tips that I believe are particularly helpful.
Define Your ‘Weight Loss Why’
Sure, you know you want to lose weight because it is unhealthy to be carrying around those extra pounds; you want to look better. But, it goes deeper than that—these general musings are just the surface of something much more profound. And to keep up your motivation, and have an easier time making the changes you need to make, it is imperative you dig deeper and get to the core reasons—you need to define your ‘weight loss why.’ If you think losing weight will make you a better parent to your children, why is that so? Why do you want to be a better parent?
List out all the reasons you want to lose weight. Then look at that list and list out all the reasons you want those things. Look at this next set, and list out why you want those things. Go until you can’t go anymore. Once you identify these core values and desires, you will let nothing stand in your way in our pursuit of this goal.
Remember Lots of Little Changes Can Add up to Big Results
When it comes to losing weight, so many different factors have been found to influence this process. None of them are magic bullets—rather, they are just one piece of the puzzle. And, the more pieces you have, the more successful your efforts will be. All these little things, when combined, can really give your efforts a nice boost.
For example, there are lots of natural supplements, such as green coffee bean, or combinations of several herbs, such as that offered in products speciality products that are known to increase fat-burning and suppress the appetite. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to insulin resistance, increased fat storage, and strong cravings for unhealthy foods such as sweets and refined carbohydrates. When we feel really stressed, the body releases large amounts of hormones that may increase fat storage, and increase our appetite, even if there is no need for food in the moment. Insufficient levels of vitamin D have been linked to increased weight gain.
Take these various factors into account, and work on incorporating them into your strategy for optimal results.
Set Specific Mini-Goals to Keep You Going Day to Day
One of the reasons we have so much trouble accomplishing goals and staying the course is the discouragement that comes with looking where we are now, and seeing how far we have to go to get where we want to be. From where you are now, trying to lose 50 pounds can seem like quite the grueling task. But, don’t focus so much on that bigger end result, or you will quickly lose steam.
Set lots of mini-goals to get you through the day-to-day. Vow you will eat fruit for dessert at least three times this week to start; commit to trying a new vegetable every day. Work on getting back into the clothes from last summer, not from a decade ago before you had any of your kids. These little bite-sized tasks are much more manageable, and as you achieve them, the progress will motivate you to keep doing even more.