Let me create the scenario for you. After a few months of indulging in food and drink you decide to pick yourself up by the bootstraps and get with the program. You’ve set a goal and are following the plan. The new plan to losing weight for once and for all. You are doing it, eating the right foods, doing the right amount of exercise, nailing it for a month, and then you slip. Half a cupcake at your friends birthday party, instead of eating your prepacked healthy lunch, you splurge and hit the food truck with co-workers, and just like that old habits start to return. Feeling stinky for messing up, you continue to punish yourself, and the weight comes back. How and why does this happen so quickly?
3 Reasons We Fall Back Into Old Habits
- Shiny New Object
Anytime something is new, it’s fun, it’s exciting, it’s different. New does not last forever though and once the initial excitement starts to wear off boredom sets in leaving the door open for old habits. - Fast and Easy
We want immediate results that don’t have us “suffering”. By suffering I mean, frustration for not ordering that extra margarita or for actively shopping and meal prepping for the week on Sunday instead of drinking beers and watching football. This too opens the door for old habits to return. - It’s a Journey Not a Race
Yes, what you need to do to lose weight is, however, losing weight is not easy or fast. Successful weight loss is about creating a new way of living and sticking to it and that takes time. We often set unrealistic goals and when we have not attained them in a few weeks we throw in the towel allowing those bad habits to creep in again.
5 Ways to Have Weight Loss Success
- Eyes Wide Open
Try to take a bird’s eye view of you in this moment. You have many other things going on in your life besides your weight loss goals. Live your life, enjoy things daily and be active. See what other tweaks you can make in your day that will help you in your goals to lose weight and be healthier. Plan ahead when you have holidays or meals out – this will help to ensure you stay on your path. Try new things when you are feeling stuck – newness is always a way to bring some excitement into your life. - Marathon vs. Sprint
You didn’t gain the weight you are trying to lose overnight. Losing it will not be super fast either. It’s a slow road, and that is ok! Along the marathon of weight loss you are setting up a new foundation and rules to live by. Breathe and be happy you are on this journey to success. - You Are Human
Be kind to yourself on this journey. You will be bored of your new meal plan at times. You will be frustrated when attending functions that revolve around food that is not on your plan. Be prepared for these pitfalls and again plan ahead. Be active even when you don’t want to. Moving your body the mind will follow, just get up and lead. You are in control of you. - Weekly Goals are Successes
Set weekly mini goals that you know you can attain, while having your overall program goal be something else. We succeed more, the more we succeed. Maybe a mini goal is to do 4 strength classes this week, or try a healthy new recipe. Do it, and praise yourself, you earned it! Now keep it up! - Buddy Up
It’s easier to be successful when you have a friend or even a team of folks around you. They could be workout partners, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on…doesn’t matter they are a support crew. Reach out, there is no shame in rallying the troops when you are down or up for that matter! You will be more successful long term with your weight loss goals when you are surrounded by family and friends that care about you.
Susy Sedano is a Content Producer, a fitness enthusiast and an avid cook of healthy meals. She prides herself on creating healthy dishes for family and friends, and is always on the hunt for new workouts and recipes! Despite her hectic non-stop work and fitness schedules, she is a “girl’s girl” and a student of life!
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