Get off on the right foot
It’s not going to be easy, but that’s okay. Starting is the most important part. Here are some things to consider that I have found to be very important to success:
1. Track Your Calories
I know this isn’t what you want hear, but this information is invaluable. You have to eat less calories then you burn to lose weight, and this will never change. When I started tracking, it was an eye opener. Each time I grabbed a candy or a few chips, I kept track. The calories were really adding up and I could see exactly why I was gaining weight. It makes it easier to see where you need to make changes. I know when I’m not tracking my calories I slip and start to gain weight again.
2. Get Moving!
When I started I was really out of shape. I had to start with something easy. Sure, it would be great to do 20 burpees and run three miles, but that was not going to happen without permanent damage to my body.
I choose to start with walking videos. I knew I had to just get moving and build up my endurance and strength. If you are consistent, your endurance will build up quickly. It is a bad idea to overdo it, get injured, and lose all of your momentum. Start out easy and build it up.
3. Go Slow
You didn’t get to where you are in a month. You are not going to become what you want to be in a month either. Losing weight is not a sprint. The slower you take it, the easier it will be to stick to it (remember 3500 calories equals 1 pound). You need to cut 500 calories each day in a week to lose one pound. Going even slower will help you sustain your health routine. You won’t feel so deprived. You can make small changes that you might not even notice. I tried to cut lots of calories and I ended up quiting.
I know these tips are obvious, but it is a good way to start. Remember anything you do is a win.
