Weight loss is a common challenge for many, that’s no secret. But did you know that weight management is the more important focus here? According to Everyday Health, being successful at weight loss means modifying your lifestyle for long-term weight management. This means making healthy food choices daily as well as getting the regularly recommended amount of exercise. Making these sustainable lifestyle changes makes it much easier to lose weight and keep it off.
Weight Management and Nutrition
When it comes down to it, weight management and nutrition go hand in hand. Because while you can exercise all you want, it’s not enough to help you maintain a healthy weight if you’re still putting garbage into your body. Sugary sweets and salty snacks aren’t going to do your body any favors. Instead, you should be consuming plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and veggies, as well as lean proteins and the like. Ultimately, the best foods for weight management simultaneously promote weight loss while staving off hunger.
Top Foods for Weight Management
- Milk
- Matcha powder
- Pears
- Almonds
- Water
- Red chili peppers
- Lean protein
- Black beans
- Rye bread
- Coffee
- Oatmeal
- Leafy greens
- Soy
- Sweet potatoes
- Fruit
- Salmon
- Chia seeds
- Yogurt
- Tea
- Prunes
What’s the First Step to Weight Control?
One of the major reasons people struggle with weight loss and weight management is they lack the right mentality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, losing weight takes both commitment and a well-thought-out plan. And getting started on your weight loss journey means changing your lifestyle as well as managing stress and getting enough sleep. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips for getting started on your weight loss/weight management journey.
Tips for Successful Weight Loss and Weight Management
The following is a step-by-step guide for successful weight loss. Continue reading to learn more.
Commit
If you’re ready to lose weight, the first step is committing yourself. Whether this lifestyle change is because you have kids you want to see get married or simply because you want to live a long, healthy life, it can be incredibly beneficial to acknowledge your motivation. Take the time to sit and write down the reasons why you want to lose weight and get healthier. Then, when in doubt, you can review your list to remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Evaluate Potential Risks
If you’re ready to change your lifestyle, we recommend first discussing your health with a licensed physician. Then, you can evaluate any height or weight-related risk factors as well as family history to determine your best course of action. Additionally, an experienced medical professional is also capable of helping you discover the right personalized dietary plans for weight loss in your life.
Set Realistic Goals
When beginning this journey, you won’t do yourself any favors by setting large long-term goals upfront. Instead, consider setting realistic short-term goals and rewarding yourself accordingly along the way. Try to focus on two to three goals at a time, each fitting the following criteria:
- Realistic
- Specific
- Forgiving
Such goals could include things like taking 15-minute evening walks every day or adopting a morning yoga routine.
Identify Your Resources
Ideally, you’ll want to surround yourself with people that will support your weight loss during this time. Once you’ve identified those you believe you can lean on for support, you’ll find that making lifestyle changes is much easier. Also, if you can find people with similar interests, you can practice healthier choices together, such as going for group walks or hosting health-focused dinner parties.
Check-in and Monitor Your Progress
Take the time intermittently to revisit your goals and motivation from time to time. And if you find that some of your goals or aspirations aren’t being met, now is the time to readjust. For example, if you find that you’re too tired in the evenings to stick to your walking routine, try shifting it to after lunch or in the morning. Ultimately, you must do what you need to make these changes a permanent way of life for long-term weight management.
Go to 24-7Labs for All Your Health and Risk Assessment Needs
When it comes to weight loss and weight control, it isn’t ENTIRELY based on your nutrition and activity levels if your family history dictates otherwise. Luckily, 24-7Labs offers health testing services in the Tampa area that can identify any risk factors that might make weight loss difficult. From there, you can adopt a plan and begin browsing dietary plans for weight loss.
