Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy. But neither is being overweight and out of shape.
As far as I’m concerned working to be in good health, in good spirits and able to fit into my clothes is WORTH the effort. After years of struggle I feel like I’ve finally unlocked the secret to lasting weight loss success:
1) Find your why. Have a strong reason for wanting to lose weight. For me it’s all about being healthy, happy, and wanting to grow old gracefully and vibrantly. I want to be able to feel good so I can continue to travel and pursue my dreams.
2) Do it your way. It’s important to lose weight your way, not someone else’s. You need to find changes that you are willing to make forever, not jus for a day or a week or until you’ve reached your goal.
3) Focus on teeny tiny changes. It’s much better to commit to a little change that you can actually accomplish regularly than a huge one that you are never able to get done. Years ago one of my favorite yogas told me to “only do as much yoga as feels good” because “a little yoga done often is better than a lot of yoga done rarely.” Turns out this is the secret to any lasting behavior change.
Celebrate you successes. We are hardwired to do what makes us feel good. Find healthy ways to celebrate when you accomplish your new habits, hit your targets and achieve your goals, regardless of how small they seem. This positive feeling can help propel you forward.