Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash
Obesity is one of the leading health problems in the United States. According to Statista, the obesity prevalence rate among US adults is 42.4% and the rate of severe obesity is 9.2%.
Do you want to know how to start losing weight?
If yes, then you are not alone. We all want to lose weight, but sometimes it’s hard to figure out how to get started. There are so many diets and workout regimens that can be confusing. Before you spend time, money, and effort on a plan, make sure you think about these things first.
1) Consult your doctor
You should consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise plan. Your doctor knows your medical history and can help you decide if your weight-loss plans are healthy for you. He/she may also be able to make suggestions on how to get started and keep going on a diet and workout routine.
2) Find out what type of diet and workout routine is right for you
Some people do better on low-fat diets, others do better on low-carbohydrate diets. Some people like cardio exercises (like running or biking), while others prefer weight-lifting. Whether it’s a juice cleanse, Paleo Diet, veganism, or jogging every morning before work, make sure you find something you like and will stick to.
3) Be prepared for slip-ups
Everyone makes mistakes now and then. If you’re not perfect 100% of the time, don’t beat yourself up over it! Learn from your mistakes and plan how to prevent them in the future. Evaluate your behavior, think about what needs to change. Maybe you ate a whole pizza, maybe you didn’t work out for a few days–it’s okay! Just figure out how to get back on track and remember that nobody is perfect all the time.
4) Keep track of your progress
It can be helpful to keep track of how many pounds you’ve lost over time. Everyone knows it takes time to lose weight, but seeing tangible results can be encouraging. A journal would help you keep track of your exercise routine, as well as what kinds of foods, are helping or hurting your diet plan.
5) Don’t forget about maintenance
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking, “once I lose all this weight, I’m going to go back to my old habits.” We’re always trying to be better than we were before. Once you lose weight and get in shape, don’t just sit there! Try new exercise routines or find healthy ways of cooking your favorite foods.
6) Don’t forget about enjoying yourself
It’s okay if you enjoy life and want to do things that aren’t necessarily good for your diet and workout goals. That’s why it’s important to plan how you’ll deal with these situations ahead of time. Maybe you can eat a little bit more on the weekends or maybe instead of snacking out of boredom, you set aside time for a hobby.
We all want to be healthy, but that doesn’t mean we have to punish ourselves every day and miss out on life! Be sure to keep these things in mind when you’re trying to start a weight-loss plan and enjoy the journey.