A new year means it’s time to look ahead and set goals and losing those few extra pounds is a common one. Sticking to that goal can be tough, but isn’t impossible.

Don’t Over-Commit

Saying you’re going to work out every day and always eat healthy are not realistic goals. Real life happens and gets in the way.

Instead of all-or-nothing, make small changes in your habits that will become a lifestyle change. Make small goals you are likely to keep. Feeling success as you go along can keep you motivated.

Setting a number of pounds to lose might not work for you. Instead, a goal of being able to comfortably fit into your favorite pants might be what you need to think about.

Fixating on a certain weight can be counter-productive since if you’re lifting weights or doing other exercises, you’re building muscle, and that can weigh more than fat.

Hold Yourself Accountable

If you’ve made a workout date with a friend or hired a personal trainer for a certain number of sessions, you’re more likely to keep the appointments. Simply joining a gym or saying you’re going to run isn’t enough for some people. If you tell someone else about your plans, you’re more likely to keep them.

A food diary can also help keep you accountable because you’re recording everything you put into your mouth. There are also many apps that can help track your food.

Find strength in numbers. You’re not the only one trying to lose a few pounds. Many of your friends are trying to do the same thing, so encourage each other. An email, text, or phone call can do the trick. Be specific about the type of feedback you want. If you want a reminder to eat a healthy dinner, ask for a text just before dinner time. If you want a yoga buddy, ask someone to go to class with you.

Plan Ahead

Put workouts on your calendar. Find ways to fit extra exercise into your day. Have walking meetings at work instead of sit-down ones. If all you need to do is discuss something with a coworker, it’s just as easy to do it while walking as it is sitting in a conference room.

Plan your meals and go grocery shopping in advance so you’re not coming home tired and hungry and looking for anything you can put into your mouth.

On a related note, try to avoid being too hungry. When this happens, you are more likely to grab whatever is available. Plan healthy snacks to eat throughout the day.

Allow Cheating and Rewards

Depriving yourself of everything you like won’t help with motivation. Allowing small treats can help keep you on track.

Rewarding yourself as you reach the goals you set can keep you motivated. Decide what your smaller goals are and what your incentives and rewards will be for reaching them.

Nobody is perfect, so if you don’t keep to your schedule or suffer a setback, forgive yourself and start again. It only takes 21 days to create a habit.

One of the tools that we use at B3 Medical is the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program. This program gives you a structured plan for weight loss while purifying, and nourishing your body on your way to creating or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you have any concerns or questions about your health and losing weight, the experts at B3 Medical are here to help. Contact us today.