Whether it is only five pounds or fifty-five, most people today want to lose some weight. It’s almost as if dieting has become a part of our modern lifestyle. One reason for that is because diets don’t work as often as we’d like them to, and even when they do, most people tend to regain that weight as soon as they stop dieting. However, there are ways to get in shape – not by changing your diet but by changing your lifestyle. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, keep reading to learn more.
Why typical dieting doesn’t work
There are many reasons why most diets fail. For starters, when people diet, they actually become more focused on the food they avoid. So, once they stop dieting, they start craving and indulging in all the foods they used to stay away from, which is why they regain weight quite easily. Moreover, the fact that they do eventually stop dieting is a huge mistake. The moment people go back to their bad eating habits, all the hard work goes to waste. In short, diets are good if you’re looking for short-term results, but if you want to lose weight in order to improve your lifestyle, you have to change the lifestyle itself.
Which changes to make
First of all, keep in mind that you’re an individual, which means that what works for somebody else might not work for you. So, don’t jump on any bandwagons just because somebody else is praising a certain fad; try different things, and stick to those that suit your needs and wishes.
Don’t be afraid of fats
Most diets are based on removing fats from your diet. However, not all fats are bad for you, and your body needs some fat in order for you to actually not feel sated. It’s your body’s main source of energy, and it helps you reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. So, do your research about healthy sources of fat, and don’t hesitate to consume them.
Exercise
One of the most common pieces of advice related to losing weight is – exercise. It’s important not just for getting in shape but for maintaining your weight as well. Plus, exercising doesn’t mean that you have to torture yourself for hours every day – even an hour of physical activity a day can be enough. It’s up to you to choose the kind of activity you enjoy the most, whether it is a long daily walk in the park or dancing in the evening. You can even exercise in the comfort of your own home, as there are many great exercises you can find online. You can also start with simpler exercises and work your way up to the more demanding ones.
Redefine your goals
Many people think that losing weight will make them automatically happier. However, once they actually do lose weight, they realize that their life hasn’t really changed much. This is because binding your happiness to something as external as your weight is pretty much the recipe for a disaster. What you should focus on is the reasons for losing weight – do you want to lose weight so you can travel more, keep up with your young kids, or simply increase your confidence? There’s no denying that physical appearances matter, but internal goals are always more motivational than the external ones.
Go easy on yourself
Making long-term changes takes time, and in order to change your lifestyle – and maintain the changes you make – you can’t be too harsh on yourself. Allow yourself occasional food-related slips, and don’t feel bad about taking that second slice of pizza. If you keep denying yourself all the joys of food, no matter how physically healthy your lifestyle might become, it will still make you emotionally unsatisfied. The only thing you should never do is give up. Even when those slips happen, accept them, and get back on track right away.
In this day and age, losing weight often comes with a lot of pressure, stress, and struggle. So, if you want to get in shape, focus on changing your perspective rather than your diet, and the results are bound to show in no time.
