Sunday, May 19, 2013

4 Common Habits of Successful Dieters

By Caroline Monroe


The more you eat and the less that you exert the more weight you will gain. This seems to be a realistic and easy-to-understand formula for most to grasp. However, knowing that the calories in verses the calories out formula is a tough thing for most people to stick to. If you want to lose weight, and you understand the basics, then what seems to be the issue?

Being able to commit to your weight loss goals and the ability to avoid temptations that will inevitably pop-up, is the number one key to losing weight. Having success in weight loss is created by habit and sticking to an exercise routine. This is a guaranteed result. Being able to lose weight will happen, but being able to lose weight in two weeks will only happen if you grasp these basic concepts.

Set specific and certain goals in order to achieve them. Saying you "want to lose weight", simply won't cut it. You have to instead say, "I want to lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks". This is a specific goal, and with specific goals your mind will start to bridge the gap between you, and where you want to be. You will be able to achieve these goals quicker and more easily if they are specific.

Stick to a predetermined meal plan. Studies have shown that sticking to a meal plan that is already thought out will increase your chances at weight loss up to 2 - 3 times. When you are headed home and you know that dinner is a salad, but you end up defrosting a pizza, you are just sabotaging yourself and your ability to lose weight. Go with your first instincts and make the salad. Weight loss is easier and more effective with a predetermined meal plan.

Being positive will go a long way. As much as you want to lose weight fast and feel better now, know that it is not the most easy thing to do. Believing that you will succeed is key, and you will. But believing that it will be easy can set you up for failure. Remaining optimistic will keep you motivated, but thinking it will be easy might not keep your effort levels at their highest. Set realistic goals, stay positive and work hard.

Learn how to work out your "self-control muscle". To lose weight fast you not only have to work out your body, you have to strengthen your mind as well. Strengthening your "self-control muscle" is a learned and practiced thing. Go slowly, and take baby steps. There is no need to go vegan overnight, but instead of eating your sandwich AND bag of chips, eat the sandwich, toss the bag of chips away and grab an apple. Baby steps.

Know the formula for successful weight loss. Eat less, and work out more. But know that that is not where it stops. Successful weight loss is 90% habit, motivation and goal setting. If you are able to figure these out then you are well on your way to losing weight fast and keeping it off for good. Stay positive and stay focused and you will have success.




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