When I decided to lose weight, it wasn't the first time i'd told myself I was going to do it. I think what did it this time was how I felt about myself, I wasn't overweight, but I had gained almost 2 stone and for someone like me who has always been around the same weight, I didn't realize just how different I looked, I remember messaging my best friend and telling her how awful I felt after just seeing myself in the bathroom mirror, she also gave me that support I needed to keep on it as well!
We are all different, different things motivate us, some people can snap their fingers and have everything they need to lose weight, others need support, the tips below are some ways I personally think are the best helpers!
Take Before Photos This is one of the things that really gave me that nudge to start, it's true you don't really notice the wright creeping on, but when you do, go ahead and take some photos, I felt so uncomfortable taking them and even looking at them, but that made me want to change even more. You don't need to share the photos with anyone, or stick them on the fridge which I've heard some people do, just keep the photos for yourself, and continue taking weekly updates as you go, it won't be long till you start seeing a difference. It's such a great motivator!
Set a Date
Contrary to what every other website out there seems to say, I think that setting a specific date to start your diet works more effectively than just suddenly deciding in that moment to do it, if you have a meal out/holiday planned that is coming up then use that as your final time of eating what you want, enjoy it knowing you will be starting your new healthier lifestyle the very next day, it gives you time to get all the cravings out of your system, so you're starting out not missing out on anything. I find when I eat a big meal out or a takeaway, I feel pretty crap afterwards and swear I'm not going to do it again for ages, which is the perfect time for you then to start, keep in mind how you felt after you ate and remind yourself it's not worth it now.Bring the Gym to you I'm a very introverted person, so the thought of walking into a gym full of people, is my worst nightmare really, if you are anything like me, you'll prefer to exercise in the comfort and familiarity of your own home! And guess what? Instead of spending all your money on a rowing machine or treadmill, you can actually hire fitness equipment So no need to fork out £40 a month on a gym membership you'll only use once, nor will you need to find someone to watch the kids/find the time/psych yourself up to even leave the house, no, you can have it exactly where you want it and where you feel happiest! Routine Being a parent, i'm all for the whole routine thing, knowing whats happening day to day really helps keep my head together. So when I started exercising (and I say that lightly), because I really do HATE exercising, I gave myself something to do 6 days out of 7, just jogging on the spot, between 10 mins and 30 mins, I did this when Abbie had her quiet time on the iPad, so it slotted in nicely. Then once I started to get the feel of that, I added in some Zumba, I bought the original wii fit game and did 20 minutes a few times a week which really started to tone me up and the weight starting falling off!
Work exercise around your current life, around work, even 10 minutes a day like I did (it really does make a difference), and don't feel guilty if you don't feel up for it one day, just make sure you really push yourself the next day. Try and do the same thing each week and you might just start looking forward to it each day! Be realistic You've been used to eating bigger portions and amounts for a while so don't expect to wake up the next morning and suddenly be full up on a fruit salad, yes it's healthy but you need to add something a little more robust to get you through breakfast. It's not going to be easy to start with, you will probably feel hungry but it will fade after a while! Also don't expect to lose the weight super quick, it takes time, if you start off losing at a good pace then find yourself at a plateau, don't give up, it doesn't mean you won't lose anymore, it's just your body regulating itself and getting used to less calories, keep going!
x
