Trying to lose weight today can be a herculean effort. When fast food that is fried, flavorized, cheese injected (and delicious) is so abundant, it can feel like you’re fighting a losing battle.
I have struggled with weight loss my entire life. It doesn’t help that I come from a Jamaican family that has 6 meals in one day all consisting of some kind of heavy meat and starch! Although I’ve had gains and losses, three rules seem to be universal in the battle for a thinner waistline.
Please note that this is not advice for you to form your own weight loss journey on. These are just ground rule steps that I have came to rely on in my time battling the scale.
I write these in hope to inspire and encourage. The struggle against food is real and it’s going to take a lot of determination to get to where you truly want to be. But remember to have fun along the way and to love the special individual you are on the inside.
Step one: Get a system in place that’s a right fit for you and your schedule. Set up times for yourself that you can go work out, even if that time is 3 a.m. You should also plan your meals out. You know what you like and what you’ll want to eat, so make every meal something you look forward to.
If you feel you need a little extra motivation you can also provide yourself with rewards for meeting your goals. You don’t want to burn yourself out by working too hard. So if treating yourself every two weeks keeps you motivated, do that.
Step two: Set attainable goals. This is a marathon, not a spirit. Don’t think you’re going to meet all your goals all at once. Many times, life doesn’t work on your schedule. If you lose two pounds one week and nothing the next, be happy with what you’ve lost and focus on continuing the forward progress.
Which brings me to my last point and the most important one.
Step three: Be in a good mental state of mind, or at least try to keep yourself in one. A lot of times people say the weight loss process is mostly mental. What they mean by that is the scale, the mirror and your own perception of yourself, messes with your head.
Sometimes you’ll come from a particularly intense workout and feel great. Then you take a look in the mirror and your gut looks bigger than ever. Stop. By that point it’s all in your head.
You’ve got to take it one day at a time. Just stay strong and stick to your plan. Remember that you’re doing this for a healthier and better you.
These are the things that have helped me in my weight loss journey, but everyone has a different path and plan. And my journey is far from over. But as long as you stick to it and put the work in we can all be losers together (you know what I mean)!
Justin A. Baker
Staff Writer