Losing weight can be tough. Like, really tough. Especially when all the ads and social media make it look so easy - just take this pill or try that diet!
The truth is that sustainable, healthy weight loss takes time and effort. I know, I know - that's not what we want to hear as we're making goals for the new year! But setting realistic expectations is important so you don't get discouraged.
Actually, experts often recommend aiming for 1-2 pounds per week. Losing weight any faster than that generally means you're losing muscle and water weight, not fat.
Here are some tips to lose weight in a safe, sustainable way:
Don't try radical short-term diets that are hard to stick to. Slowly build healthy habits into your lifestyle. Think adding vegetables, cutting back refined carbs and sugars, not eliminating entire food groups. Once these healthier choices become habits, the weight loss tends to follow.
Here are some great starter habits to try:
And remember - don't try to change everything at once! Just focus on 1 or 2 habit changes at a time until they feel like second nature. Slowly building healthy routines leads to long-term consistency.
Listen, changing habits is hard. Anyone who's tried to diet or eat healthy knows! Some days will be great wins, while other days will feel like a struggle.
The key is consistency over the long run. Some weeks you may lose 3 pounds, other weeks you may stall or even gain a little. That's normal! Weight loss is almost never linear. As long as you stick with your plan and your healthier habits at least 80% of the time, you'll continue making progress.
Alright, go ahead and prompt me to continue with the second half of this 850-word article on realistic weight loss goals! Let me know when you're ready for more.
Losing weight can feel lonely and discouraging at times. Having people to encourage you makes all the difference!
Knowing that others are in your corner and want to see you succeed helps on harder days. It also adds accountability - it's harder to ditch your new healthy habits when others are checking in!
Tracking keeps you aware of tiny changes that eventually add up to big results over time. It also lets you course correct faster if you hit a plateau. Just stick to the data and facts vs emotions as much as possible.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight often requires an entire lifestyle shift, not just changing your diet. Consider if other habits may be sabotaging your goals:
Looking at your lifestyle holistically ensures your environment best supports your weight loss efforts. Enlist additional help from counselors or doctors if major barriers like lack of sleep, high stress or anxiety issues prove difficult to overcome on your own.
We know losing weight leaves people with all kinds of questions about the process. At PrimeHealthMD in Atlanta, GA, we specialize in customized weight loss plans tailored to your unique health needs. If you’re looking for personalized guidance from doctors and coaches trained in nutrition, lifestyle changes, medication options and more, we’re here to help! Give our office a call - most major insurance plans accepted. See if you qualify. Let's start your wellness journey this year on the right foot!
