Weight loss is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions. In 2021, 48% of people made it their resolution to lose weight — and only a fraction of these individuals followed through and were successful. 2022 is the year to take control of your health and love your body! Here’s how you can create a sustainable weight loss plan this year:
Identify your motivations
There are several reasons why you might want to lose weight. The majority of people wish to lose weight to improve their body image or overall health. What is your motivation to lose weight? What’s your “why”? When things get hard and you’re ready to give up, these motivators are what’s going to keep you on track toward your goals!
One of the best ways to keep your resolution is to remember your “why”! Whether it’s a sticky note on your mirror, a reminder in your phone, or an accountability partner, keep your “why” at the forefront of your mind.
Baby steps
When making a big lifestyle change, the worst thing you can do is dive right in with heavy restrictions and strict new routines — that’s a full-proof way to fail at your New Year’s resolutions. Baby steps are key to long-term success!
If you’re looking to lose weight in 2022, there are a number of factors to address, such as diet, exercise, and sleep. When making changes in all of these areas, there will always be an adjustment period. Where there’s an adjustment period, there will be resistance. It takes at least 21 days to form a habit, so it will take time for your mind and body to adjust to its new conditions. The more change that occurs at once, the greater the resistance, and the more likely you are to fail. Here are a few small changes you can start with:
- Begin by going to the gym only three days a week, until your body adjusts to the physical activity
- Swap out one carb a day with a nutrient rich vegetable
- Go to bed an hour earlier
Have compassion for yourself
On your weight loss journey, you will experience victories and “losses.” Therefore, this journey will require you to have compassion for yourself. The way you speak to yourself matters!
The “all or nothing” attitude is the reason many people fail to keep their resolutions. Whether you miss a day at the gym or binge eat your favorite snacks, observe the behavior for what it is and move forward. These slip-ups are not failures — only setbacks. We are not perfect people, and this journey isn’t meant to be perfect either.
Need an accountability partner on your weight loss journey this New Year? The coaches at Your Lean Life want to help you reach your goals in 2022! Interested in learning more? Contact us today!
