Losing weight - is it an impossible goal? Many people believe it is, but is it really? It wasn't for me, and it doesn't have to be for you. For years, I struggled with my weight. One day I just got tired of it all and resolved to actually do something about my weight rather than just feel bad about it. It took a lot of work and effort, and there were times when I felt discouraged, but I soon started to see results. I lost weight and have kept it off. You can, too.
I discovered that what I eat is far more important than I had originally thought. I would consistently sabotage my weight loss efforts by eating portion sizes that were too big, or fast food regularly, or lots of dessert. It just wasn't worth the guilt and dispair I'd feel afterwards. I started keeping a food journal where I recorded each and every thing that I ate. I realized that my typical diet was far more unhealthy than I had originally thought. Without a clear idea of what I was really eating, it was hard to really change my eating patterns.
TIP! Get rid of clothes that have gotten too big. By keeping larger-sized clothing, you are sub-consciously giving yourself permission to gain back the weight that you have shed.
One of the things I realized is that I wasn't getting nearly enough liquids, and the liquids I was drinking were full of sugar. I stopped drinking soda and instead started drinking more water. I noticed that I wasn't as tired in the afternoons, probably because I wasn't crashing from all the sugar from the sodas I'd been drinking.
TIP! Keep track of your calories. A cheap notebook or notepad should be part of your weight loss arsenal.
I started eating less dessert. I still eat dessert, but my portions are much smaller now. And I eat more fruit. When I do eat dessert, I try to make sure that it's very high quality. I get some really good chocolate - because it's so rich, I am soon satisfied after just a small amount.
Exercise is important. At first, going to the gym seemed like a chore. But I soon noticed that I felt more energetic from working out, and I started to really look forward to that exercise high I'd get after a workout session. It was easier for me to fall asleep at night, which was great. I learned that it was important to switch up my exercise routine so I wouldn't get bored.
TIP! Eat low calorie foods that will help you feel full. Having a salad, soup, or low-calorie vegetables such as tomatoes or carrot sticks before a meal will help you feel satisfied so you'll eat less of the high-calorie main courses.
There definitely were times when I felt discouraged, like losing weight was happening slower than what I'd want. But I stuck with it, and I talked to my friends when I felt discouraged. They helped to remind me of how far I'd come, and oftentimes that was the push that I needed to stay motivated and optimistic that the weight would come off.
Losing weight, and keeping it off, can take work. It can take effort and persistence. But it is absolutely worth it. I have much more energy now, and I feel less stressed and anxious. I look better, but most importantly, I feel better. And I believe in myself, which has had a great impact on my self esteem and self confidence.
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