How many times have you set a weight loss resolution in January, only to find yourself back in your old habits before MLK’s birthday?
If you’ve done it, you’re not alone. My hope is that you’ll “get your groove back” and stay on the healthy living lifestyle journey long term this time. The key to sustaining new habits, is to find ways to make things less stressful, eat yummy foods that you really enjoy, find activities that you enjoy doing regularly and not have to eat “diet food” or give up all the foods you love, right?
Here’s a few suggestions that will make your healthy living lifestyle go much smoother:
- Practice portion control.
Instead of cutting out your favorite foods completely, try practicing portion control. This means eating smaller portions of the foods you love, rather than eliminating them entirely.
- Choose healthier versions of your favorite foods.
There are often healthier alternatives to your favorite foods. For example, you can try using whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta, or opting for baked potatoes instead of french fries. Using the airfryer to make fried chicken or hot wings instead of deep frying them.
- Eat your favorite foods in moderation.
It’s okay to indulge in your favorite foods every once in a while, as long as you do so in moderation. Don’t deprive yourself of the foods you love, but try to balance them out with healthier options.
- Fill up on healthy foods first.
Before you indulge in your favorite treat, try filling up on healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and protein. This can help to curb your appetite and prevent you from overeating.
- Plan ahead.
If you know you’ll be faced with tempting foods, try planning ahead and bringing healthy snacks with you. This can help to curb cravings and prevent you from making unhealthy choices.
- Don’t skip meals.
Skipping meals can lead to overeating later on, as you’ll be more likely to make unhealthy choices when you’re starving. Instead, try to eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day.
- Stay hydrated.
Drinking enough water is important for overall health and can also help with weight loss. Water can help to flush toxins out of the body and can also help to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day.
- Eat protein with every meal.
Protein is an essential nutrient that helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to your weight loss goals without feeling hungry. Aim to include protein-rich foods like lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu in your diet.
- Incorporate more movement into your daily routine.
You don’t have to hit the gym or follow a strict workout plan to lose weight. Simple tweaks to your daily routine, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk after dinner, or doing a quick at-home workout can all add up to help you shed pounds.
- Get enough sleep.
Getting enough sleep is essential for overall health and can also help with weight loss. Poor sleep can lead to increased hunger and cravings, as well as decreased energy levels, making it harder to stick to your weight loss goals. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
So, what do you think? Are these doable for you to help you get started? Leave me a comment & let me know.
Till next time,
Felicia
If you need some accountability while you’re getting started, schedule a chat with me here