I’m sure you will agree that action leads to results, and an action repeated over a long period of time will eventually form a habit. As the old computer adage goes; garbage in, garbage out, therefore if we have bad fat burning habits (and these include emotional/mental habits) we invariably experience less than ideal results in our weight loss!
For example, if you were to be in the habit of going to the gym for 30 minutes every other day after work, you would see some good weight loss results, such as losing a kilo or a couple of pounds over the course of a month.
However, it is not likely that you would experience the same result if you put all of your workouts into one, working out for 12 hours in one day, then spend the rest of the month resting!
Here are 4 tips to help you to build some sustainable weight loss habits:
Building your belief
If you don’t believe you can lose the weight, then you won’t. So why not create a goal you CAN believe in? For example, instead of focusing on a weight loss goal of 15kg/30lbs, why not start with a goal to lose 1kg/2lbs in your first month? Once you achieve this goal, you can then set the next goal, to stretch you further.
Routines
Sticking to any sort of weight loss program will be easier if you’ve formed some habits in the form of a routine and it has become second nature to you. Get yourself into the routine of working on your mindset and beliefs, of exercising on a regular basis, and of eating supportive foods for weight loss.
Addition not subtraction
Remain focused on what you are going to achieve and not on what you are giving up. Imagine how you will feel once you have achieved your weight loss goal. Imagine how much energy you will have! Every time you work out, focus on how much better your body moves as the weight falls off. Every time you eat supportive foods, imagine the wonderful things this food is doing for your body.
Personalize your weight loss routines
Tailor your workouts to suit you. Sometimes you will have a bit of a down day, so don’t be afraid to lighten things up a little. On days when you’re feeling more energetic, shift things up a notch. As long as it feels good, then you know it is doing you good.
Breaking down your weight loss goals into smaller chunks will help with your belief that you can achieve the goal. Having a positive mindset towards your physical health will also help you to begin taking up healthier and more supportive habits.
As you progress, remember to celebrate even your smallest wins, and congratulate yourself on making it this far!