Millions of people want to lose weight and most of them will resolve to do just that this coming new year. Sadly, though, many of those eager dieters will fail and actually pack on a few extra pounds this year instead of shedding them! Don’t get caught in the cycle of failed New Year resolutions, make this year the year to win the battle of the bulge.
Avoid Diet Trends
Dieting won’t help you lose weight but changing the lifestyle issues that led to weight gain will. Sure, there is a multi-million dollar diet industry that would have us believe that their products will ensure weight loss success. But, unless bad habits are replaced with good ones, any weight loss gained from a trendy diet will be temporary.
So, this new year, don’t jump on any diet band wagon. Instead, make a list of all the dietary habits that are negative and a list of better habits to replace them. For instance, drinking too much soda is unhealthy so resolve to replace soda with water and tea. Eating too much fast food is unhealthy, so resolve to limit fast food to once a week and replace it with home cooked meals.
Look at weight loss as a small part of a long term goal to become healthy. This is a realistic and healthy mentality that keep eager dieters from going to extremes.
Consider Health, Not Just Weight
Many people focus entirely on shedding weight and seeing the scale move in the right direction. And, while that’s a good goal, it shouldn’t be the only one set by resolution makers. Losing weight isn’t the only thing to consider when making that New Year resolution.
This coming new year, resolve to improve health by looking at factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index. Many pharmacies have blood pressure testing centers and also offer a variety of blood tests, including cholesterol tests. The National Institute of Health has an online body mass index calculator at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.
Setting health goals instead of just trying to fit into a smaller dress size can help keep things in perspective. Make a list of true health goals and read them often to stay motivated and on track.
Keep Exercise Enjoyable
Exercise is basically a four letter word in the minds of many people. The thought of spending hours a month sweating and suffering in a gym isn’t very appealing. But losing weight comes down to eating less and moving more, so exercise is a necessity. Learning to enjoy exercise is also a necessity for lasting weight loss and long term health.
Fortunately, however, exercise is a concept, not a specific thing. This means that exercise doesn’t have to take place in a gym or by sweating over a pile of weights. Find a hobby that involves movement and go for it. Dancing is expressive, creative and freeing and also has great health benefits. Other ideas are biking, gardening, bird watching, roller blading, hiking, and outdoor photography.
Avoiding discomfort is a natural reaction, so it is normal to avoid unpleasant exercise. That is why it is crucial to find an active hobby and make it a part of everyday life.
New Year can be the beginning of great things for those willing to invest in themselves. Like anything worthwhile, losing weight takes effort and persistence. This time around, avoid the trends and the inevitable failure they bring. Use these tips to make long term weight loss a reality this New Year.
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