Avoid Dangerous Methods When Losing Weight

It can be tempting to try and lose weight as fast as possible, particularly if you are overweight and uncomfortable in your body. However, it is important to remember that slimming down too quickly can adversely impact your health. If you want to lose the weight and keep it off over time, slow and steady is the way to go. This article will give you a few pointers on how to do just that.

The first step you should take is to set up an appointment and speak with your doctor. Everyone is unique; your age, how obese you are and your lifestyle will all factor into the type of weight loss plan that is best for you. Your physician can examine you and discuss appropriate goals with you. For instance, he or she can shed insight into how many pounds would be appropriate for you to lose each week and/or month, what a healthy meal plan might look like, and the type of exercise regimen that would be best for you as you start out. Take their words to heart; their advice is the best way to get started off on the right food when it comes to your weight loss journey.

After getting a little more information about your unique situation, move on to the goal setting process. Set both short and long term goals. For instance, maybe you want to lose 70 pounds in one year. Break that down into smaller steps, and aim for about one and a half pounds each week (six pounds per month). When setting these goals, make sure you factor in the advice from your doctor.

Figure out a reward system for your goals as well; it will help to keep you motivated. For instance, each time you meet your weekly goal, treat yourself to a small reward; this could be something as simple cooking yourself a healthy meal that you enjoy or renting a movie to watch at home. Make your monthly rewards a little more significant, and come up with a great celebration (allow yourself to indulge in something that you really want) when you reach your long-term goal.

Incorporate exercise into your daily life. However, make sure you are working out for the appropriate length of time; you don’t want to overdo it and harm your body. Again, this is where advice from a physician is crucial. Even if you live a very sedentary lifestyle, you can incorporate things that you enjoy into your workout routine to make it fun. For instance, if you have been a lifelong baseball fan, think about buying a mitt, ball and a net that allows you to practice fielding. You’ll be amazed at how much of a workout you get catching fly balls, grounders and liners in your back yard! In general, you just want to enjoy what you are doing; that way, you are more likely to continue engaging in it day after day.

While mainstream media has glamorized extreme weight loss, it is a dangerous method that doesn’t usually lead to lasting change. If you are truly committed to losing weight, take advantage of the ideas in this article and apply them to your life. Over time, you will rediscover what it means to feel comfortable in your own skin again.