20 Things People Learned On Their Weight Loss Journeys That They Wish They Knew Sooner
20 Things People Learned On Their Weight Loss Journeys That They Wish They Knew Sooner
Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey? Take It From Those Who Have Been There
Embarking on a weight loss journey? It's a daunting task full of frustration, missteps, and misinformation, fighting against old habits and spending hours sweating on cardio machines with little to no progress. However, once you start seeing results, there's nothing more satisfying and empowering. Shedding pounds you spent years hating, seeing definition in your muscles, and feeling strong and healthy is the best possible form of self-care. Luckily for you, countless others before have gone done this path, and they have some useful takeaways. Here are 10 things people learned on their weight loss journeys that they wish they had known from the start.
1. It's Different For Everyone
When it comes to losing weight, don't compare yourself to others. Because each person's body is different, no two weight loss journeys are the same.
2. It's A Non-Linear Process
For many, weight loss isn't a linear process. It's quite normal for your body to go through peaks, plateaus, ups, and downs, so don't get discouraged by the fluctuations.
3. Don't Starve Yourself
While having a calorie deficit is key to losing weight, your calorie intake should never be severely under the recommended amount. When you starve yourself, your body runs on a more economical mode, burning fewer calories and storing more of what you consume. You'll also feel low-energy and may give in to cravings more.
4. Don't Fear Carbs
Studies have found low-carb diets to be great for losing weight in the short term, but completely unsustainable over longer periods. Carbs are where your body gets energy from, so don't cut them out, just try to focus on consuming natural over refined carbs.
5. Don't Restrict Yourself Too Much
While it's important to eat healthy, you don't want to feel like you're living in a prison. Give yourself little indulgences from time to time. Otherwise, you'll just feel resentful.
6. Take A Lot Of Photos
Taking pictures of yourself along your journey might fill you with anxiety when you don't feel proud of your body, but it's key to documenting your progress and staying motivated. You'll notice yourself feeling more confident as you go along.
7. Find Physical Activities You Enjoy Doing
Moving your body is important for not only weight loss but also your overall health. It doesn't have to feel like a slog. Find something you enjoy, and it will never feel like a chore.
8. Be Patient
It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. Going through the day-to-day of your weight loss journey might feel like an eternity, but just stick with it, and you will get results!
9. Muscles Burn Fat
Weight loss isn't just about eating less and getting skinnier. It's about getting stronger, too. Gaining muscle speeds up your metabolism and increases the number of calories you burn.
10. Find Your "Why"
To stay motivated through all the challenges that your weight loss journey will inevitably bring, you must know your reason why. Because other people want you to is not a good enough reason. You need to figure out your own personal motivation.
11. Enjoy The Process
Who said losing weight has to be a slog? Having fun should be a priority because if you dread going to the gym or eating healthy, you'll be unhappy doing it. Have a positive mindset and remind yourself to enjoy the process.
12. Be Adaptable
Everyone's body reacts differently when they start shedding pounds. Therefore, you have to be adaptable and willing to change your plan. You'll find some things just aren't that effective for you, while others are.
13. Focus On Health
Your focus shouldn't just be on weight loss, but on overall health and fitness. Creating lifestyle changes has a lasting effect, whereas diets come and go.
14. Don't Obsess Over The Scales
The scale is just one tool and a signifier. Anything from hormones to water intake can affect your weight. What's more, muscle weighs more than fat, so don't take the weight measurement as an indicator of how well you're doing.
15. Meal Prepping Is Paramount
Having healthy meals and snacks on the ready is a huge game-changer for losing weight. Otherwise, you might cave into your cravings and snack on something unhealthy just because you feel hungry.
16. A Calorie Deficit Is Necessary
As much as it's easy to dread, tracking your calories and ensuring you have a calorie deficit (without starving yourself) is a necessary part of losing weight. You don't have to let it rule your life: apps like MyFitnessPal make it easy.
17. Protein Is Crucial
Ensuring you're eating enough protein is another crucial part of losing weight. Having a protein-rich diet helps you feel more satiated, preserves muscle mass, and supports metabolism.
18. Understand Calorie Density
It's not just about how many calories you're eating, but rather the quality of the calories you're getting. Grilled chicken breast with steamed vegetables and brown rice has the same amount of calories as a cheeseburger, but packs in way more nutrients.
19. Stress Impacts Weight
Stress impacts your waistline more than you might realize, which is why it's important to have good coping strategies. Chronic stress leads to an increase in cortisol, which promotes fat storage.
20. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is another one of those things that doesn't seem like it would have a direct impact on your weight, but it plays a crucial role. Poor sleep disrupts your hunger hormones and makes you crave unhealthy food.
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