Losing weight is not a losing battle. If you don’t see immediate progress, don’t get discouraged. There is nothing wrong with you. Making changes is a process, and keeping an open mind and positive spirit helps makes the journey more tolerable. There are a few obstacles you may face when trying to lose weight. Read on to learn more.
Looking at the Numbers
Step away from the scale—it’s rarely beneficial for those on this journey. You could have the most amazing workout and expect to see promising results only to have the scale disappoint you.
Put the scale away. Focus on eating right and doing workouts you enjoy. Don’t let the scale be your sole motivation because it can quickly discourage you and misconstrue your progress. Try to only look at the scale once a month or once every two months as a means of keeping on track.
Calorie Counting
Try not to listen to everything influencers say when they talk about losing weight and getting healthier. Some will set unattainable and unrealistic expectations. Calorie counting is OK for some people, but only in moderation. Never try and starve yourself to follow someone else’s regime.
Restricting food intake can create an unhealthy relationship with eating that takes power out of your hands. Talk with your doctor about a healthy and realistic calorie intake for your body type. It might take a minute to reach the perfect balance, but you’ll get there.
Food Prices
Healthier living means making healthier choices with your diet. What you eat will change during this journey. You’ll start looking at alternative food choices and coming up with new recipes. However, healthier food is more expensive, so this part is easier said than done.
Don’t let high costs turn you away. There are ways to work around this obstacle, especially once you know what you’re up against. Consider looking at different stores that sell healthier options. They are not all priced the same, and you might luck out.
Time Restraints
Never put a timeline on your weight loss journey. Saying you want to reach a certain number of pounds in a few months puts unnecessary pressure on yourself. Pressure creates stress, and stress could produce unwanted physical and mental side effects.
Focus on the journey and not the destination. Have fun with the process, and get in tune with yourself. Discover workout routines that make you happy and relieve you from stress.
Obstacles will come when you’re trying to lose weight. The trick is to not give them any power over you. You’re stronger than the challenges you face.
Dianne Pajo is a Certified Personal Trainer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her outdoors and performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.