8 Tips for your weight-loss journey

EVERY WEIGHT-LOSS journey is a personal one. There is a lot of information available for you to begin the path to weight loss, and it can take a lot of work to figure out how to get going. However, there are ways to ease yourself into losing weight, like changing what and how you eat and getting better sleep.

Research has found no singular, universal diet for weight loss. Instead, weight loss depends on each person’s unique goals and needs. Also, the best diet is one that you can maintain for long periods.

Therefore, setting realistic goals is key before kick-starting a weightloss journey. Generally, weight loss depends on the amount and type of food you eat and when you eat your meals. From there, some evidence suggests that your personal goals should fulfil your nutritional needs, be safe and effective, culturally acceptable, and inexpensive.

According to Melissa Halliburton, nutritionist and wellness coach, discipline plays an important role in your quest to lose weight. “Being discipline is one of the hardest challenges. With the techno era we have everybody giving advice about fat loss, and we tend to get sidetracked and want to try a faster approach. But this is not always the right way. Having a disciplined mindset will get you to the finish line,” Halliburton said.

Here are a few more tips that you can utilise on your weight-loss journey:

PATIENCE

This is a useful tool when you are approaching weight loss. You did not gain weight in a day or two. For some persons it took months and years. Hence, weight loss will take time.

DO NOT EXPECT CHANGE OVERNIGHT

Do not watch other persons in the media or at the gym who might be lifting weights or doing push-ups or fancy moves. Try taking it in stages, and one day at a time.

FIND SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

There is no one correct way to exercise. If you do not enjoy a particular exercise, do not do it.

EXERCISE

Exercise, coupled with a healthy diet, is a more effective way to lose weight than just depending on calorie restriction. Exercise is not only useful for weight management, but can prevent or even reverse the effects of certain diseases. Exercise lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, which may prevent a heart attack, which are all associated with being overweight.

SEE IT AS A LIFESTYLE

Maintaining a fitness journey is to always think of it as a process and not a one-time thing.

DRINK WATER

Drinking water can help burn calories and reduce hunger cravings. Replacing sugary drinks with water can also lower caloric and sugar intake. But drinking water alone is not enough for major weight loss.

MONITOR YOUR CURRENT PATTERN

Ensure you watch what you eat, sleep pattern, exercise routine, and how you manage stress. This will help you to determine what works and what does not.

EATING WHAT’S IN SEASON

Buying foods that are in season will not only help to save money, it will also help to motivate you to make better food choices.

Always applaud yourself for progress no matter how small:

• Drink plenty water

• Get enough sunlight

• Get enough rest

• Manage your stress levels

• Always eat a well-balanced meal

• Exercise