So you've decided to finally make that healthy change in your life, you are now serious about losing weight! I applaud you and I love that you've made that decision. I want to help you make it very successful so I have some major tips for you. You have already completed step one (which is making the decision). So, let's get to the good stuff...
Set a schedule!
You will need a minimum of three days and approximately one to two hours per day just to start (this depends on your fitness level). I would suggest starting on Sunday. Sunday is your meal prep day. This is the day you will cook your meals for the week. Setting yourself up for the week ahead is crucial to avoid breaking down and ordering that cheeseburger because you didn't pack a lunch every other day. I'm not saying you can never have a cheeseburger again. Besides, I don't believe in depriving yourself. I find that people who do that are just setting up for failure because, once they do finally have that cheeseburger or that bag of Hot Cheetos, they are likely to go on a major binge. Cheeseburgers and Hot Cheetos are bomb and I enjoy them from time to time but this is about STARTING AND KEEPING YOUR WEIGHTLOSS JOURNEY remember? Ok so moving on... You should strive to walk everyday for 30 minutes. Now, you'll pick a minimum of two days to start working out (not cardio, think strength training, stretching or yoga). I suggest you stagger them and not do two consecutive days because you will be sore and your muscles will need some recovery time. You can do Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Try this for a week or two just to get you in the swing of things. After two weeks, throw in another day. You can do Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Prioritize this time!
I've heard it all: I didn't have time because I wanted to go out. It takes too much time away from my boyfriend. I can't spend time with my kids. I only did it once this week because I was too tired. There will be a million excuses and a million other options for you but if you prioritize it you will stick to it. Think about why you decided to start your weightloss journey: you want to look good in that dress when you hit the club. You want to look good in your wedding dress. You want to have more energy and be healthy for your kids and life in general. Whatever your reason for starting, that is also what should keep you going. It's your time to prioritize yourself so that you can be a better, healthier and happier version of yourself. Be determined and be selfish with your time. Those who love and care for you will be happy and supportive of this. Anyone who isn't should be kicked to the curb, you don't need that negativity!
Measure your progress!
After two weeks, make a small assessment on yourself. How do you feel? Do you feel stronger? Do you feel lighter? Do you have more energy? If you're doing it right, the answer should be yes! After a month you should start seeing physical changes such as weightloss or inches lost. Please keep in mind that it is not all about the scale so don't get in the habit of weighing yourself daily. In the beginning you won't see the scale change, you will feel the changes elsewhere. Your mood and energy will improve, you'll feel more limber, you'll feel lighter and the scale may not necessarily reflect it yet but your body is already reaping the benefits of your lifestyle change.
Celebrate your milestones!
You lost your first 10 pounds, that's freaking awesome and it's time to celebrate! You want to go out for drinks to celebrate? Do it! You want to treat yourself to a nice dinner? Do it! You want to go shopping for a new outfit? Do it! You worked hard for this and you deserve to celebrate your win. Take a day to celebrate and get back to it the next day.
So now that you have the tips that you need, I also want to start you off with a beginner workout. I created a FREE beginner workout and calendar. If you don't already have it, you can download it today on my website. Here is the link: www.mamacitafitness.com/exclusive-download