5 Small Changes To Make Today

I think, when people begin their weight loss journey, they easily become overwhelmed with the changes that undoubtedly must be made to meet their goals. I did. I allowed myself to feel as though I had to scarf down an elephant in one bite instead of taking it a step at a time. It becomes overwhelming, you feel panicked, maybe even become bitter, and ultimately feel a want to give up. Don’t allow yourself to feel engulfed with worry. Proper weight loss, and maintenance, requires a lifestyle change. And that does not happen over night.

But, you have to start somewhere, right? Well, why not start with a few small & simple changes that you can make right now.

1. Swap out that sugary drink for water.

This was one of the biggest changes I made early on in my journey & also one of the hardest. I expressed in Just stop it already! how important it is to kick the soda habit. You would be surprised how switching out that soda, or glass of sweet tea, will immediately begin to cause weight loss. All that excess sugar is unnecessary, unhealthy, and is just building fat. It’s just as easy to fill a glass with water, or grab a bottle, as it is to pour that Pepsi. So, why not make the healthier decision? Makes sense and takes no more effort.

2. Take the stairs.

If you have the availability to take the stairs instead of the elevator, do it. Make a little extra time if you need to. Not only are you burning more calories, but your are toning and strengthening the muscles in those legs and buttocks. Don’t feel like you need to do it each and every time initially. Maybe you have weak joints, or you are having difficulty physically withstanding the multiple stair trips. Take it slow. This is not a marathon. One trip up those stairs was one more than you did yesterday.

3. Don’t skip meals.

Please, just don’t. I get it. This is something that feels easy to control. If you don’t take food in, you can’t keep on the extra pounds. Well, it may work at first, but only temporarily. Eventually you will plateau and may also suffer physical consequences in the meantime. Make sure you are eating enough. Start today. Make sure to not skip meals. Instead eat 4-6 small meals today.

4. Don’t shop while hungry.

Literally like my worst habit ever. I will clear out a grocery store aisle of utter nonsense if I go in while hungry. You end up buying way more than necessary, and usually all of the wrong things. Think about it. When you are hungry, your body it saying “hurry up and put some fuel in this tank fool, I’m sittin’ on E”. While your mind says “heck, just toss some sugar or carbs in there, that should fill it up quick.” Before you know it, you’re at the checkout of Walmart with a buggy full of Oreos and Cheez-Its. Before you go on your grocery run today, have a healthy snack.

5. Forgive Yourself.

Whether you are just deciding to take that first step toward a healthier lifestyle or deep into your journey, remember to be gentle with yourself. You are going to make mistakes along the way. There are going to be days you don’t feel motivated to leave the couch, days that you eat more junk food than you know you should. It happens. If you are newly beginning this journey, you probably see it happening pretty frequently. Remember that the changes you make toward your healthier goals don’t happen overnight. We are creatures of habit and sometimes that can be difficult to break. Allow forgiveness for yourself when you slide back some. Forgive yourself for the cheeseburger you ate that is driving you mad with guilt. Don’t sulk around, ruminate, and beat yourself up with guilt. Take it one step at a time. After all, we all have to start somewhere, and you’re one step closer than you were yesterday.

-Shawna

Photo Credit: Tumblr

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