We’re several weeks into the new year now and if you’re like a majority of the population, you resolved to lose weight in 2013; either in preparation of your upcoming destination wedding, or just to be a better, healthier you. If you’ve stuck with your resolution so far and have started to make changes to your diet or fitness routine you’re already ahead of the curve as studies show most people abandon their resolutions early on. Go you! For anyone who’s looking for a little inspiration or some tips and support, look no further than our guide!
Be Specific!
Set a specific goal. You already know you want to lose weight. Do you want to lose inches? Pounds? Fit into a specific dress size? If you take the time to consider your desired end result it helps focus your overall plan.
Be Realistic!
Make sure your goal is reasonable. Are you starting this new plan with only a couple months to go? If so, you might want to adjust the goal you have in mind to fit the time constraints. Or does your preferred method cost money you may not have now that you’re saving for a wedding? If you have your eye on gym memberships, personal training or boot camps that can be expensive, consider purchasing weight loss DVDs or finding streaming workout options on Netflix or Amazon
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred
Jillian Michaels 6-Week Six-Pack
Gaiam Resistance Cord Workout
Crunch Fat-Burning Pilates
Lauren Brooks Kettlebell Lightning
The Biggest Loser: The Workout - Weight Loss Yoga
Billy Blanks' Tae-Bo - Instructional Workout, Basic, Advanced, 8-Minute Workout
Be Proactive!
Make a plan for how you are going to accomplish your goals. Are you going to count calories? Cut out carbs? Join a gym? Sign up for boot camp? Buy and do workout DVDs? Whatever you decide, make sure you form a plan that takes into account both diet AND fitness. Doing one without the other won’t yield nearly as much results as doing them both at the same time. If you’re the type of person who does better planning everything out to the letter, make yourself a calendar and slot out your workout days and meals. Be sure to have plenty of “safe” foods like fruits, veggies and whole grains on hand so you can make healthy choices when hunger strikes. If you’re short on time or just aren’t big on cooking, frozen foods can occasionally be healthy. Stick to frozen veggies or brown rice. For full meals, here’s a list of 20 healthy frozen dinners, with included nutritional information.
Be Accountable!
Now that you have specific, realistic goals, and a plan, STICK TO IT! We all slip and miss a day of working out, or a cheat meal turns into a cheat day or couple of days. But if you fall off the program don’t beat yourself up about it—start fresh the next day and try to do better. Make sure to track your progress with regular weigh-ins. It helps to say motivated when you start seeing results! And if possible, get yourself a workout or weight loss buddy so you can keep each other honest. Or, even better, get the support of an entire weight loss community and join our Biggest Loser contest!
Prefer your tips in quick bullet form? Here are some highlights and additional tips in do/don’t format. Let us know if we missed any!
Do:
- Set specific, realistic goals
- Make a solid plan and stick to it
- Keep healthy foods on hand
- Watch portion sizes
- Drink plenty of water
- Get plenty of sleep
- Track your progress
- Get a workout/weight loss buddy
Don’t:
- Drink your calories
- Skip meals
- Beat yourself up if you temporarily get off track
Need more motivation?
Join our Biggest Loser contest for a chance to win some money!
Connect with other users in the official P90x support group thread!
Connect with other users in the official Insanity support group thread!
Good luck!!
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