My Top 5 Tips For Successful Long-Term Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, humans mainly want a one shoe fits all solution. And, although weight loss is a fairly maths and science equation, what makes the approach of any two people unique is their individual starting position.
My journey to lose 25kg’s, and keep it off, has involved transformation and change spiritually, physically and emotionally. I have consciously committed to living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, I move my body daily, I have unwavering self belief and a strong work ethic, but above all I know what works for me. When we recognise our bio-individuality, own where we’re at and properly prepare to achieve our goals, we set ourselves up for success.
These are my top 5 tips to get you started on your own weight loss journey, exactly where you are.
1 —
Prep Yourself
Get your mind in the game, meditate, educate yourself, surround yourself with people who support your goals.
2 —
Walk, Don’t Run
The only exercise you need to do for the first three weeks is walk. Ensure you walk ideally three times a day, after you eat a meal and for a total of at least 10,000 steps daily.
Make the time to walk everywhere. I know it sounds obvious, but take stock of how many times you reach for your car keys and if you can make the distance on foot, walk instead.
3 —
Be your Own Personal Chef
Learn to cook really well. Make if fun. Invest in your food, buy the best you can afford. Farmers markets, good quality grocers, butchers and some bakeries are your friends. The purveyors of whole food.
For the first three weeks, choose what this means to you in order to be eating better than you were. It might be sticking to 3 meals a day OR only preparing food for yourself (no takeout) OR no snacking. Three weeks, set your eating goal, stick to it.
4 —
Balance, Baby
Find the balance between your responsibilities to others and your responsibilities to yourself. When others make unreasonable demands, try to remember, your health takes priority and you’ll be in a much better position to help those around you if you’re taking care of yourself first.
5 —
Try Dry
Limiting my alcohol consumption initially and then becoming entirely sober has been key for me, but it’s not for everyone. I found it helpful to educate myself on the effects of alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to lower oestrogen levels in women and this decrease in oestrogen is associated with depression and anxiety. For me, recognising how vital my mental health and clarity is for this journey has been empowering and prioritising my brain health supports my weight loss.