Indulge wisely. Total deprivation of your favorite foods will only push you towards a fall. If you put yourself on too strict of a diet you may find yourself eating a whole bowl of cookie dough in a moment of weakness. Instead, find ways to satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet. If you’re dying for chocolate, try three or four Hershey’s kisses or a glass of fat free chocolate milk. Try one piece of pizza or one taco with fresh vegetables on the side to jinx your fast food jones. The key here isn’t giving up everything you love, but cutting back and keeping indulgence in moderation.
Gain without the Pain
There’s no getting around it. If you really want to lose weight efficiently and enjoy improved health, you have to exercise. Before you find yourself in the fetal position trying to banish thoughts of grueling workouts and torture training sessions with a drill sergeant named Hans, try to relax. Effective exercise can be as easy as taking a stroll around your neighborhood with a friend. Buddy up with someone who will keep you accountable and find a way to exercise together everyday. And don’t forget, exercise is like change in your pocket: every little bit adds up. Take the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Park as far as you can from the store instead of up close and enjoy the extra walk. When it comes to getting fit, little changes can make a big difference.
Patience is a Virtue
Keep your goals realistic. Looking like your favorite celebrity in time for your friend’s wedding (next month) probably isn’t going to happen. Despite what commercials may say, dramatic weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and commitment, but the benefits are absolutely worth the sacrifice. Keep your goals attainable or you may feel discouraged and tempted to give up. Don’t weigh yourself everyday. Your weight will fluctuate throughout the month so constantly checking it will only leave you frustrated. Weigh yourself a few times a month and gauge your progress more by how your clothes are fitting than by what the scale reads.