Weight loss is supposed to be hard. It requires time, effort, and an attitude of stick-to-it-ness. Falling short of these requirements can lead to failure once you hit bumps and plateaus along the road. It’s either you hit it or miss it. The reason why fitness and weight loss programs have lots of variations is that no one size fits all. What works for your friend might not work for you.
Once something doesn’t work, you’re not supposed to give up. Rather, you’re given the option to stick with your goals and find other means to get there. The means may be different, but the principles are the same. And you’re likely to stick to your game when you have the right reasons for doing so. Below are some of the reasons why you need to lose weight and beat the odds along the way.
1. You avoid the risk of developing serious diseases
In recent years, health experts have been alarmed by the increasing rate of obesity not only in the US but also in other parts of the world. Since obesity is linked to underlying health conditions, people are encouraged to maintain a certain weight range to keep themselves healthy and prevent the risk of developing serious illnesses. Losing weight to keep yourself healthy and avoid diseases should be your utmost goal why you want to lose weight.
2. You don’t have to sweat it out
Exercise is essential to shy away from diseases but you don’t have to overdo it. For people wanting to have more muscles or looking more fit, having workout routines is required. But if this is not your goal, cardio exercises like walking or jogging at least 15 to 30 minutes a day is enough to keep your weight in check.
3. You’re only required to make small changes in your diet
Lifestyle choices are one of the culprits for most of the obesity cases, particularly, people’s eating habits. While some studies argue that exercise alone is not enough to shed those extra pounds, researchers encourage obese people to put more focus on their diet.
Health experts encourage people who want to lose weight to be more mindful of the food they eat. This means eating more fiber to keep you fuller, more healthy fats to drive the bad fats, and more antioxidant-filled vegetables and fruits to boost your immune system. Start to exclude from your diet unhealthy foods, such as high-cholesterol foods, junk foods, and sugary foods and drinks.
Most dieters are unable to maintain their healthy weight because they’re doing it fast. A crash diet is the easiest way to regain your weight back right after you lose it. You’re helping your body ease up while losing some pounds by exposing it to minor dietary changes. Once it’s able to cope up with you, you’re likely to succeed in your weight loss journey.
4. You will look fabulous
Health enthusiasts look way more amazing compared to people who aren’t conscious of their health. Losing those bulges in the wrong places and gaining more muscles simply make you look fantastic and healthy. You’re likely to fall more in love with the person you see in the mirror. This not only enhances your self-image but boosts your confidence as well.
5. You don’t have to do it all at once
The good thing with weight loss is, you can take it at your own pace. You don’t have to do it quick. Those who successfully lose extra pounds and able to maintain their healthy weight took 3 to 5 years doing the habits that support their weight loss goals. All you need is to do it consistently and deliberately.
6. You won’t get bored
Some people who didn’t make it in their weight loss journey say that they give up out of boredom doing the routines. The truth is, you won’t get bored when you don’t stick to one exercise regimen. It’s recommended that you do activities that target your different muscle groups.
Fat loss is best paired with muscle growth to prevent your skin from sagging once you lose some pounds. Mix your cardio workouts with some weight lifting and resistance training. If having gym sessions work for you, that’s great. But if it doesn’t, some activities at home can help you. Activities like gardening or playing with your kids are great examples. You can also look for online videos dealing with physical exercises that can be done at home.
7. You will move with ease
Whether you admit it or not, your excess weight can prevent you from moving much lighter and with ease. Obese people can’t walk longer without catching for their breathing. At the same time, walking isn’t a favorable condition for their joints. But if you manage to lose weight, you’d be doing more activities than when you were heavy.
8. You will make a good impression
People tend to respond better to healthy-looking individuals than to people with excess weight. This can be a hard reality but one that obese people have difficulty living with. Health equates self-confidence. Some obese people admitted that their lack of confidence leads them to binge eat, which ultimately adds up to their weight gain.
9. Your mind will thank you
Health habits as simple as walking are not only beneficial to your body but for your mind as well. Exercise helps improve your focus and concentration. In one study, people who exercise were found to be more creative than those who don’t. With a mind that’s working sharply, you’d be more productive and effective at work.
10. You will lose stretch marks
Rapid weight gain can cause stretch marks to develop. This happens as your skin stretches to accommodate extra fats. Experts recommend that you do something with your weight as soon as you notice those band-like lines on your skin. Failing to manage your weight gain may make it hard to get rid of these ugly stretch marks. A slow and steady weight loss can make the marks go away naturally. But if they won’t, ask your doctor for the right prescription for your stretch marks.