So you’re… Mentally unprepared for your diet

YOU are no longer comfortable in your own skin; your clothes are beginning to get tight and you probably face comments from persons regarding your weight. You know the timing is right to start a diet, but you aren’t mentally prepared for a new lifestyle.

Taking a new approach to healthy living through dieting may seem simple, but if the mind is not engaged, you may give up the challenge the minute you start. Before you get to enjoy the physical changes that come with healthy weight loss, you first must have a mental makeover that helps you break your old bad habits. The key to beginning your transformation is thinking of it properly. Think of your goal as weight control and not something you need to do this minute and see it happening right away. Remember that you want to stick to your new healthy diet for the foreseeable future.

Here are some tips from fitness experts.

1. Set goals

You can’t just get up and expect to lose weight. Set timely goals, maybe two pounds per week, 10 or 20 pounds per month. Set your goals and work towards them. Having the right mindset starts with knowing why you want to lose weight. It could be as simple as wanting to look and feel better.

2. Consult a doctor

When you’re ready to rid yourself of extra pounds for life, consult with a doctor or dietician. While you can cut your calorie intake yourself and pig out on vegetables and water, it may not be the best diet for your health. The experts will help you find a weight loss programme that suits your lifestyle, dietary needs and medical conditions.

3. Document it

Don’t expect to ‘wing it’ and succeed. Create a meal plan for your diet that you’ll refer to when shopping, cooking or eating out. Try to avoid cravings. This is simply mapping out the steps needed to implement weight loss.

4. Exercise

Exercise is an essential part of your weight loss programme. Consult with a trainer or join a gym and set up an exercise routine that you will enjoy and find ways to make it work with your schedule. If you only eat healthy and eliminate exercise you may be sabotaging your efforts.

5. Keep motivated

Believe in yourself. You may have failed with weight loss in the past, but shake it off and start anew. You may eat more than you should and skip planned workouts but stay positive and pick up where you left off. It will take time, but believe that you can do it.

6. Reap rewards

When you achieve each weight loss goal you set, reward yourself, but not with a devilish treat such as chocolate, ice cream or cupcakes. Try getting a massage, pedicure, going to a play or buying a new fashion accessory.

— KH