For some, the hardest part of any task is getting started. For those that have no problem getting started, the hardest part is staying focused and committed to a long term goal when there aren't any immediate results.
A perfect example: you've decided you're ready to start a new workout routine and cut out a few junk foods from your diet to try and lose weight. It's an excellent idea that most of us could use to take to heart, myself included 🙂

As a benchmark, you jot down your current weight and set a long term goal of how much weight you would like to lose. Perhpas you even scribble in a few notes on how you would like to fit better into those tight jeans in your drawer or how you would like to complete your first 5k race. Setting realistic and reasonable goals can help you from being discouraged when results don't come as quickly as you would like them to.
So you begin your journey, planning out healthier meals, cooking healthier foods throughout the week and trying your hardest not to cave and go out for frozen yogurt twice a week. You notice a few changes, namely how hungry you are even after you've eaten your allotted calories for the day. Grilled chicken in salads are tasty, but they get old...FAST. You check your weight end of the week and notice such a slight loss that you feel kind of upset at yourself. You've been doing everything right. So why haven't you lost those two pounds your calorie counting app said you would?!
Turns out, not every week will be perfect, some days you will be downright unsatisfied, and you might not see your progress as quickly as you would have hoped. Unfortunately, losing weight takes loads more time than it does to gain it.
Tips to Stay on Track to Lose Weight
- Developing (or re-developing) good eating and exercise habits takes time, but with time you will make strides and see progress. I keep workout boards on my Pinterest to keep me motivated and excited for exercise.
- Keeping a positive attitude is important too. It's much easier to beat yourself up about how you didn't reach your weekly goal. It takes a lot more strength to tell yourself that you did what you could, and that you'll get back at it and then some for the following week.
- Make it a point to go for a walk after dinner every day or get to the gym at least three times a week. Whatever your goal may be, work towards it. Every little effort counts. Weight loss is more of a marathon than a sprint.
- Every time you choose a healthier snack instead of ice cream, know that you deserve congratulations. Nobody is perfect, but every instance that you make a good decision for your health you get another step closer to your perfect body. Whatever shape or form that may be is up to you.
The most important thing is to never give up on yourself. If you get off track, don't beat yourself up over it. Have a salad to counteract that half a pizza you ate earlier in the day and plan out a healthy meal for tomorrow. Now is a good time to remember that you're worth it!
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg
Jess - This is such an encouraging post. Thank you for your strength. For the past six years, I've put my health at the forefront of my priorities; however, some seasons I feel strong and confident and others are more challenging. After Thanksgiving, I knew that I had to jump back into exercising and eating well. I'm pretty much able to motivate myself, but I have a best friend (who is a thousand miles away) who constantly encourages me and embraces the journey. 🙂 Good luck! Keep being awesome.
Jessica
Thanks, Erin! It's good to have someone with you along the way on your journey - for accountability and sanity! My little sister and I share a lot of the same exercise habits, so we tend to keep each other in check. I hope you're enjoying the holiday season!