Fat Loss - Getting Started the Right Way
- Set some proper goals.
- Manage your expectations; no quick fixes.
The effect of a "half-baked" attempt at weight loss is not very helpful. No one likes to admit that they didn't really try and so it's easy to justify to yourself that you did try, really hard, but it "still didn't work". This leads on to the next logical conclusion - "whatever I try, I can't lose weight".
99.9% of failed weight loss attempts lie in the person's mind - in their attitude, beliefs, expectations or a lack of information. It is essential you start with a clear goal that you record somewhere. It needs to be your goal, no one else's. It needs to be a little bit scary, but realistic. Make a commitment, support it properly and stick to it.
A proper goal is specific, achievable, it has a timescale and a measurable endpoint eg:
- I will fit into that size 10 dress by March 31st.
- I will lose 4kg in the next 10 weeks.
- I will run the Richmond 10km race next year with a friend, I will finish in less than 60 minutes.
You can have more than one goal at a time as long as they support each other. A weight loss goal and an exercise goal sit particularly well together. One drives your eating choices and the other commits you to doing some regular exercise. This powerful combination acts as an upward spiral for success. You won't waste the efforts of eating well by being lazy about exercise and you won't eat rubbish because you want a return from the time you spend exercising.
A goal that involves friends is even better again because there is a pressure not to "let them down". With a secret goal you run the risk of failure because it can be easy to "let yourself off" at the crunch.
To succeed you need to be organised, pick a window that gives you a good head start. Your social calendar can put pressure on you to go astray! Plan what you will eat a week at a time and shop accordingly. Try to engage a friend or two with a goal that will be social and enjoyable. Maybe a cup of tea at the top of Snowdon without taking the train up there?
It is crucial to be realistic about your speed of progress. Seven pounds in seven days is a bad idea (see my article on yoyo dieting). If you are 60-80kg it is realistic to lose 0.5-1kg a week depending how focused you are. If you lose 3-4kg of fat in 2 months you will look and feel fantastic. If you lose 1.5kg of fat and 2kg of water in a week you will feel shocking and probably lose some muscle along the way.
Do not weigh yourself more than once a week, it will be all over the place if you do it daily and you can lose heart. Instead, take key measurements - bust, waist and hips. And remember, if you have a bad day, just ensure you start again the next - one day off won't ruin your progress and it may even help you to sustain your good habits once you realise this hasn't spoilt your new routine.
Add Maxitone nutrition for the best results
When you combine cardio and weight training with a well balanced diet and nutrition plan you get even faster results, and adding it with the Maxitone range will ensure you achieve your goals quickly. So whether your goal is Weight Loss, Toning, or general Well Being, there is a product and range to suit your needs. Also, remember to keep an eye out for and take advantage of the special offers as there may be a great saving to be had too!
