Do you have the belief that starting a weight loss program might be a struggle?
If you do, it may be based upon your past experiences. There may be many years of attempted starts, never being at or getting to a weight that you feel comfortable with and remarks like “You’ve just got big bones.” are simply not true or helpful.
To be at your best weight and health is an outcome that is achievable for everyone, even you – regardless of where you are coming from.
It does require work, dedication, focus, change, adjustment and much more, however we’d like to add that we have worked with so many people over the years who have embarked on this journey and achieved success.
Their outcomes are inspirational and personal. The one thing they say to us when asked what they would say to other people who may be thinking of starting the Dietflex program,
“Just get started, you won’t regret it.”
OK you are ready to start losing weight. To ensure that you achieve success these 5 steps will give you some ideas of what to expect and include in your planning. The 5 steps can relate to any goal you have set yourself, but this article relates to losing weight.
1. Choose a weight loss program that actually works.
It may surprise you that we NEVER say “Just eat less and exercise more.” The right plan will be personalised for your body and offer a level of support that goes beyond you hitting your goal weight. It should help you lose weight without experiencing hunger.
If you choose the wrong program and apply the next 4 steps, you’ll come away even more frustrated.
2. Commitment – People fail through lack of commitment, not lack of desire.
Unless you are fully committed you will not achieve your goal.
Let’s say that your goal is to lose 5 kilos by 1 September. To implement and execute requires finding a process that works for you. This process requires planning what foods and drinks you will allow yourself and what exercise you will do and when. Other considerations may include sleep habits, shopping and cooking, and meal prepping.
You also need to put yourself FIRST and then let go of the need to feel like you must like it – just get on with it. If you think that telling people will help you stay committed then do it, but if that’s not you, don’t tell anyone.
When it’s time to get started, don’t forget to add small rewards for yourself along the way. Our program sets 5 goal posts at every 20% of your weight loss goal.
3. Courage – especially emotional courage is often hard to find.
Many people suffer from a lack of faith in themselves. When doubt sets it, remind yourself why you started on this journey.
If you get up each day and show up fully, this will give you the courage and hope to focus on your goal, and never give up. Sure, you will have slip-ups along the way, but make it only one step back before you’re moving forward again.
If you suffer from perfectionism you may need to learn to go with the flow. Waiting for the perfect time is NEVER going to happen and leads to procrastination. Reducing choices may help as it declutters your mind and allows clarity. We’ll definitely suggest that you declutter your pantry, getting rid of all foods not on your plan, and fill your fridge with everything that is on your plan.
Sharing your goal with a friend or family member, working out in a safe environment, or practicing some meditation or mindfulness may take the edges off going it alone – which may help with your resilience. Having small wins to celebrate along the journey will also add to your courage.
4. Capacity – you may already have a busy schedule and not a lot of time available but losing weight should not require a lot of time.
Many of our members we see once or twice a week. By learning new skills like pre-planning shopping, meal prep and cooking, will give you a sense of control and may even save you time. Exercise should not take more than 30 mins a session, mix it up with cardio, resistance and activity or movement, and have it scheduled in your default weekly diary.
Having a coach or buddy to keep you accountable and help with creating new successful habits will increase your capacity to take on more challenges. Focus on small victories and you’ll be surprised at how much you can increase your capacity to learn new skills.
Keeping it simple is a great way to increase your capacity. Many people don’t feel confident to cook but learning some basic cooking skills, like making an omelette or scrambled eggs, bolognaise sauce (no pasta) or cooking a piece of meat and making a salad, is a great start.
Finding a program where you don’t have to count calories or points is a bonus.
5. Confidence – comes from making the commitment, having the courage to then take action and implement to your capacity. Small changes make BIG results.
With confidence comes a sense of control. Knowing what you need to do, knowing how your body reacts when you eat different foods, how it responds to different types of activity, how journaling gives you focus and helps you stick to your goal. You’ll also learn that it is much easier to say No.
Confidence also gives you the capacity to want to learn more. It could be increasing your cooking and meal prep skills, meeting, and socialising with like-minded people, or experimenting with different exercise options.
Feeling empowered. Feeling in control. Enjoying who you are. Enjoying the choice of taking on a challenge – and perhaps even feeling a little uncomfortable!!!!
You may have a history of trying numerous programs and never achieving the results you were after, so perhaps now it’s time to get off this treadmill!!
Thanks for reading.
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