Wanting to lose weight is almost a slew of bad words nowadays. If you’re talking about trying to shed a few pounds, in some circles it can automatically imply that you do not currently like your body. We know that’s not always the case. But in this climate of body positivity and style not size movements, it can be taboo to want to get in shape. So let’s get into this.

Our Perspective

Our view is this:  if you want to lose weight to get healthier, be fitter, get stronger or feel better in your skin, we are absolutely, hands down, all for it, especially if it’s done in a healthy way. If you want to lose weight to look good in your jeans, bikini, etc., we understand that, too, we’ve all been there! But we would feel like we’re leading you astray if we were to stop there.

In reality, it is important for all of us to look a little deeper into the things we want out of life. It’s easy to stop short and only uncover the superficial reason why we might do a thing. That’s why it is important to peel back those layers and get to the bottom of why we do certain activities, or want specific outcomes. This gives us insight into the things that really make us tick. Mel Robbins actually touches on this, but from a different perspective, the vantage point of jealousy. A lot of times, jealousy or envy can teach us something about what we truly desire.

 

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For instance, losing weight might start off as the desire to want to look better – to be more attractive. But in reality, we would all like to (on some level) reach our potential – in every area of our lives. So of course we would want to feel the same about our bodies. Everything starts in the mind and your intention, your why, if you will. That’s the motivation behind us compiling the following list. We should avoid them all together, if we want to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way. Leave them alone not only because they don’t involve listening to your body but also because a lot of them are focused on fad diets or outdated information.

Avoid These Health Tips:

1. Do juice cleanses
2. Never miss breakfast, even if you aren’t hungry
3. Eat several small meals every 2 – 3 hours
4. Don’t weigh yourself every day
5. Don’t lose weight too quickly
6. Focus your attention on cardio
7. Calorie Intake should be your number one priority
8. Minimize foods high in natural fat

To read more on why we should avoid these tips, take a look at this researched backed article by Healthline.

In reality, the best and safest way to lose weight is by understanding your body, and listening to what it needs. So instead, try these health tips below!

1. If you overeat or gain weight:

 

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A post shared by Nikki: Nutrition Coach + PT (@justget.fit)

2. If you’re feeling self-conscious about weighing yourself everyday:

 

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A post shared by Nikki: Nutrition Coach + PT (@justget.fit)

 

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A post shared by Nikki: Nutrition Coach + PT (@justget.fit)

3. If you still want to eat the foods you love and still lose weight:

 

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4. If you struggle with intuitive eating:

 

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The Bottom Line:

Not every tip will work for every body. Instead work on creating healthy habits that are sustainable, make you feel healthier and happier, and allow you to enjoy the foods you like. It is not about restrictions, it is about adding more good things to your life. Try adding more greens and antioxidants to your meals. Insist on taking the stairs more, or parking a little farther away from your destination (as long as it’s safe) to get more steps in.

It’s all about creating opportunities to make better decisions, not harping on the bad ones that we make from time to time. Hopefully, these tips are helpful. Remember, once you have enough good habits that stick, the old ones will eventually fall by the wayside, but the key is consistency. Oh, and if we fall short (because we definitely will), try some of the good health tips above – to help you get back on track with the right mindset!

Working out consistently is definitely the ideal situation for all of us. We can all agree there. Getting our heart rates up, burning some calories and getting our sweat on all have so many benefits. According to experts, regularly working out can have a number of great gains. For instance, working out:

1. Helps us feel happier
2. Aids with weight loss
3. Has huge benefits for our muscles and bones
4. Helps us increase our energy levels
5. Reduces the risk of chronic disease
6. Helps repair skin cells
7. Aids in brain health and memory retention
8. Helps us with relaxation
9. Increases the quality of our sleep
10. Helps reduce pain
11. And finally, it can help promote better sex by boosting our sex drive

So, why do we have such a hard time getting ourselves to actually workout, consistently. Well, if you’re like us, we have good weeks and we have bad weeks. Sometimes we’re on top of our workouts. While other times we are not. Our motivation for staying fit can change based on so many factors. And having a few tricks up our sleeves (that help us get over that lack of motivation hump) can be extremely helpful.

Here are some of the top hacks and tricks to help us workout more frequently. It’s all about how we position it to ourselves.

1. Make a playlist that lasts the length of your workout

Instead of watching the clock, waiting for that moment when you can stop your workout, play a perfectly (or approximately) timed playlist. The best way to structure it is to add your favorite songs. But make sure they are up beat enough to keep you motivated throughout your workout. Hearing music you like will help keep you more focused on the workout, and less zeroed in on the clock. In fact, you may forget about the time all together!

2. Sleep in your workout clothes

If you don’t know this, it might be advantageous to you. Sports are 90 percent mental and only 10% physical. That means if we’re having difficulty working out, it has everything to do with our mindset. If we can get to the mat or treadmill or gym or wherever/whatever, that is half the battle. Getting up from the bed, couch, or whatnot is the hard work. So finding shortcuts to limit the number of decisions we have to make to get to the workout can be hugely helpful. If we sleep in our workout clothes, it is one less thing we have to worry about. In fact, you’re already ready for it. You’re dressed and now it is top of mind. And if we have our socks already in our shoes, or we sleep in those too, we can just grab them on our way out to work out.

3. Break up your workout

It can be difficult to look forward to a long arduous workout, like walking on the treadmill for an hour. But if you take that workout and you break it up into smaller spurts, it might be easier to convince yourself to do it. Try doing a ten minute workouts a few times a day, instead of one long one. One way to accomplish this is by taking a short walk outside. Not only will you get the benefits of walking, but you’ll also get some fresh air. It’s a great way to break up your day, as well.

4. Start your day with your workout

It has been shown that if we do the hardest thing on our to-do list before tackling the easier tasks, we are more likely to actually get it done. This is true with work, but can also be applied to exercising. If you get it done before your day gets crazy, it doesn’t give us room to make up an excuse.

5. Always have workout clothes with you

Aside from sleeping in your workout clothes, always having workout clothes with you is a really great way to ensure you’ll always be prepared. Instead of having to go home and get them, you’ll be able to throw them on, if a workout opportunity ever presents itself. For instance, a friend or co-worker could want to meet up for a drink, but maybe you instead decide to walk around the park. You’ll be able to take advantage of that easily. Or if a workout class is available in whatever area you’re in, you’ll be able to hit it up with no problem, because you’re prepared.

6. Lastly, pick a workout you ACTUALLY look forward to

If you are always dreading working out, it might be the workout itself that you are apprehensive about. Maybe try creating some variety. You can look into something as exotic as pole dancing, or something a little more tame like Zumba. You could also take a dance class. Whatever you can do to move your body is a plus. So try thinking outside the box. If you live by water, try kayaking or sailing classes. The world is our oyster and there are so many things at our fingertips. We just have to have the imagination and the adventurous spirit to try something new!

If you need even more ideas, try watching this video, below!

Sources:  Health Hacks For Women + Everyday Health + Healthline

There is no shortcut to consistency. We just have to keep showing up, keep believing in ourselves and keep on the path, even if we aren’t seeing results. It’s about continuing to have faith that we’ll get there even when we can’t see the end of the tunnel. Then, and only then, will we see the transformation. Don’t believe us? Watch the following video that demonstrates that if we don’t give up, if we stay consistent, we CAN and ABSOLUTELY WILL get to our goal!

Angie Zuniga kept showing up, and she lost 180 pounds! This is her journey.

@angie.zuniga Keep showing up! ???? #fyp #weightlosscheck #weightlosstransformation #180lbsdown #transformationchallenge #transformation #obesetobeast ♬ Keep Showing Up (Motivational Speech) – Fearless Motivation