How many diets have we all started with the very best of intentions? How long has it taken before the salad is ditched for bread or pizza, and sleeping in seems a better idea than hitting the gym? The secret to maintaining a diet can be very simple. Read on for some effective tips on how to start a weight loss program and then succeed.
Set a start date.
We all know the saying "tomorrow never comes". Give yourself a few days to restock the fridge, and motivate yourself. If you start the diet half-heartedly you will never be committed enough to stick with it. Start with the first day of the month or the very next Monday.
Weigh yourself before you start.
You may not want to know what you weigh, but how will you ever be able to congratulate yourself on however many pounds or kilos you are going to lose? If the number on the scales is truly scary, this will give you even more incentive to stick with your diet.
Set realistic goals.
Yes, we all want to be wearing a smaller size jean by next week, but give yourself a little more time and be realistic. Once you know how much you weigh, you can then start to set goals. If the number is too overwhelming break it down. Just aim for the next number that ends in a 5 or a 0, or the next bold marker line. Setting a 5 pound goal to start with is a lot easier than 20.
Start a food and exercise journal.
These can be great for weekly reviews to see where you went right or wrong. Be honest with yourself. If you manage to lose more than you expected in a week, you can look back and see what you did that worked so well. Record your weight regularly, and write in your goals for every week or month. This way you can see whether or not you are on track.
Tell a friend. Tell the world.
Announce your intentions so that if your friend or colleagues see you getting stuck into the cake for morning tea, or the doughnut after lunch, you will feel embarrassed. Most people don’t like to fail in front of others, so this can be an effective way to get yourself started and set into healthier routines.
Clean out the kitchen.
Throw out the junk food and sugary drinks. Take some time to visit the markets and grocery store and stock up on health food options. Research your new diet and ensure you have all the ingredients you need. Your diet will never work if you literally can’t follow the program. Getting rid of the unhealthy stuff will mean that you cannot be easily tempted.
Find a time to workout.
Before you embark on your new diet, look at your daily schedule and see where you can fit in a workout. Make sure that it is achievable, or it will be too easy to find excuses and too hard to maintain.
Don’t throw it all away.
One bad day does not mean your diet is over. Admit it wasn’t a great day and start over again in the morning. If it was a truly awful day for calorie consumption, do a little more exercise for a couple of days to burn it off.
Conclusion.
A successful diet is really based on being properly motivated and some advance planning. Set yourself realistic goals and remember that while you are losing the inches you are also improving your health.