After choosing a dieting plan and doing a detailed reading
of the book that appeals to you the most, you will need to
make the necessary intellectual and emotional commitments
needed for success. Don't look at your diet plan as a
temporary thing, something to discard or ignore once you've
achieved your weight loss goal. There are several things
you can do to help make the intellectual and emotional
commitments to make your diet last a lifetime!
First, define your goals. Don't just think, "I've got to
lose some weight." Pick a target, even if it's a moving
target. Some dieters like to think in increments, for
instance, losing 20 poinds, then then reestablishing a new
goal until they arrive at a weight level they feel most
comfortable with. Other dieters-to-be are more daring.
Choosing a weight loss goal of 100 pounds might seem
impossible for some, but for other dieters, it's their best
and most direct strategy. Set a goal that you feel most
comfortable with and stick with it.
Second, try to choose a realistic timeline for losing
weight. It took years to put on those excess poinds.
Don't expect to lose them all in a month! Get a good idea
of how much weight you should reasonably expect to lose
each week or month by reading your diet book thoroughly and
following its guidelines.
Third, try to avoid as much stress as possible - especially
during the earliest stages of a diet. Eating binges are
often the result of high stress levels.
Fourth, buy yourself a good scale, preferably an accurate
digital one. Be prepared to pay at least $40 to $80 for a
quality scale. Be aware that some digital scales stop at
300 pounds. Some of the most sophisticated scales can also
measure the ratio of body fat to lean muscle mass, referred
to as the Body Mass Index (BMI). A Body Mass Index of over
25 usually indicates obesity, although variables such as
height can influence your number. The Department of Health
and Human Services' Center for Disease Control and
Prevention (often called the CDC) offers a detailed
explanation of the BMI and Java-scripted calculator to
determine your own BMI.
Five. Weigh and measure yourself and write down the
information for future reference. During the first week or
so of your diet, try to avoid getting on the scale every
day. While your body readjusts itself to this new way of
eating, you might find your weight loss fluctuating or even
stalling. This can be discouraging. If you absolutely
must jump on the scale daily, do so at the same time each
day, for instance, immediately after waking up. Your
weight can fluctuate, up or down, by a pound or two durng
the course of the day.
Number six. For an added visual reference and to really
solidify the intellectual and emotional commitments
required for your long-term dieting success, get a friend
or companion to take a photograph of you each week. Do a
front, back, and side shot. A digital camera works
exceptionally well here since you can quickly compare
photos of yourself from day one of your diet through your
entire regimen. This visual enforcement of your efforts
can be a great encouragement.
Seven. Let friends and family members know that you are on
a diet. Support, understanding, and encouragement can be
great things when you are embarking on creating a new you!
Finally, recognize 'toxic' friends. No matter how much
weight you're losing, no matter how much your cholesterol
has fallen, no matter how many pants or dress sizes you've
lost, expect a friend (or relative) to continue to tell you
how bad your diet is for you. There are enough studies
available in medical journals and respected websites that
prove the validity of making LIFESTYLE diet changes. These
same studies encourage a balanced diet and many now
encourage some level of supplementation. Nutritional
supplementation makes sure your body has all the tools and
raw materials it needs to keep you in top shape during your
body's transformation.
----------------------------------------------------
Ron Godlewski has written many articles on health,
wellness, and maintaining vitality as we fight the effects
of aging and while we are dieting. Check out
http://www.pillfreesupplements.com
where you will find
more articles and information on how you can actually
improve your general health while making your lifestyle
diet change.
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