Creators of fad diets and exercise programs promise fast and easy results. However, the science behind dieting has consistently supported calorie-controlled eating balanced with physical exercise as the best formula for long-term weight control. Therefore, you must alter your lifestyle if you want to achieve steady and sustainable weight loss. If you’re struggling with diets, consider the following five strategies for establishing a healthy lifestyle.
1. Consult a Physician
Sometimes, you need a little help from the experts to jumpstart your weight loss. Your doctor can not only help you outline a realistic and healthy diet plan, but they can also make suggestions you haven’t considered before, based on your personal medical history and body composition. Talk to a physician, and learn about the benefits of medical weight management programs including naltrexone for weight loss.
2. Get Motivated
Nobody but you can change your life. Think about what’s important to you and nail down the reasons you want to change your lifestyle. Perhaps you want to wear your favorite suit or dress again. Maybe you want to improve your health so you can live longer for your kids or grandkids. Remind yourself daily of why you’re making better decisions, and don’t think you have to do it alone. In fact, the more your friends and family understand about your new lifestyle, the better they can support you through it.
3. Change Your Eating Habits
Chances are, you’re already on board with changing your diet because you’ve already tried the most restrictive fad diets on the market. Thankfully, adopting an effective calorie deficit in your eating plan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. It’s simply a matter of balancing your sources of nutrition. Eat more fruits and vegetables, swap processed grains for whole grains, focus on healthy fats and cut as much refined sugar as possible.
4. Elevate Your Activity Level
While it’s possible to shed pounds by working out, regular exercise gives you the benefit of quicker weight loss by burning extra calories. Plus, when you improve your mobility, the brain and body systems that control your circulation, digestion and mood work better. Additionally, exercising will help you maintain your weight loss once you reach your goal. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of working out.
Any extra movement will burn fat, so consider ways you can move more throughout the day, like taking the stairs or parking at the far end of the lot and walking farther into work each day.
5. Forgive Yourself and Move Forward
Failure is inevitable, but don’t let it derail you completely. If you accidentally fall face-first into a plate of peanut butter cookies, then acknowledge your mistake and move on. Don’t dwell on your setbacks to the point where you’re no longer stocking your fridge with fresh vegetables or taking your daily power walks. Continue to form those healthy habits and you’ll find yourself failing less and less as you reach your goals.
Follow these essential strategies to establish your new healthy lifestyle, reduce your weight and boost your overall well-being.
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