There’s something about the new year that inspires change. Maybe it’s the misplaced guilt of eating treats over the holidays or a desire to reach a goal that has been pushed around for months or years or simply the opportunity to start fresh.
Starting a weight loss plan in the new year has its pros and cons. On the positive side, January will always feel like a fresh start. Losing weight and eating healthier are also common resolutions. You may find friends and family who will support your journey or even join in on your goals.
However, starting a weight loss plan in the new year can also feed into the idea that there’s a “perfect time” to start living a healthier lifestyle. Having this mindset can leave you frustrated or ready to give up when things don’t go as expected. It can also add pressure on yourself to achieve success by a certain time rather than seeing this as a lifestyle.
To help you take on these challenges, below are some thoughts to keep in mind as you start (or continue) your weight loss journey this new year.
Play detective to your own habits
It can be harder than you think to accurately keep track of the amount and type of foods you eat daily. Using a food log (whether in a notebook or an app) can help you see what, when, and how much you’re eating. Once you’ve got enough data, you can analyze your log for any habits to address. Maybe you notice you tend to grab fast food after especially busy days at work. Or you see that you graze on snacks all weekend without even noticing. Now that you’re aware of these negative eating habits, you can start addressing them.
Similarly, you can use a walking step counter or wearable device to help you get a better idea of your daily movement and exercise. You can then adapt your physical activity goals to better reach weight loss success.
Celebrate short-term victories
Evolving your lifestyle to be healthier is a marathon, not a sprint. Try creating specific short-term, non-scale goals, like “attend Zumba class twice this week” or “eat at least three salads for lunch or dinner this week.” These bite-sized goals are a great way to make changes toward living a healthier lifestyle. They are also easy to measure and attainable, so they keep you motivated as you continue to hit these goals each week. Remember, results come in many forms beyond just the number on the scale!
Prioritize self-care (and self-love)
Stress can be the root cause of overeating for many of us. If you can find ways to better manage your stress, you may be able to change your emotional eating habits. Meditating, taking time for yourself, scheduling some spa time or creating a home spa experience, and even attending therapy are all ways to reduce stress—which in turn benefits your overall health. Show yourself some love! Be gentle with yourself as you embark or continue on this journey. Use positive self-talk, celebrate your wins, and treat yourself just because.
No matter when you start it, every weight loss journey will have its ups and downs. Through every success and every setback—and take it one day at a time. You got this!
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