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Whether you want to lose 10 pounds or 50, shedding extra weight can be extra tough. It’s also hard to keep up with left and right offers of endless diets, supplements, and meal replacement plans claiming to ensure rapid weight loss.
To set yourself up for success, you have to be mindful, intentional, and strategic. Here are a couple of strategies to help you approach weight management with a more positive and productive mindset.
Focus, focus, focus.
Before you commit to anything, you have to prepare yourself. Long-term weight loss takes time and effort. It’s a lifetime commitment. You need to be ready to make permanent changes to your eating and activity habits. When you’re focused and ready, it will be easier to set goals, stay committed, and change your lifestyle.
Set your goals.
Now that your mind is set, it’s time to decide on your goals – what you want to achieve and how you want to do it. Keep in mind that your goals have to be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-limited (think SMART!). Be intentional about everything.
Count your calories.
To lose weight you have to use up more calories than you take in. Once you’ve set your goals, measure your daily calorie goal. You can use a weight loss calculator online.
Track your intake.
Note what you eat. This way, it will be easier to evaluate your eating habits and patterns. You can either use a mobile app for this or write it down in your fitness journal. Log your food intake, exercise, sleep, and progress throughout your journey.
Get support.
Find an accountability buddy. Enlist the help of a friend, family member, or join a support group! This will help you stay motivated.
Maintain, don’t gain.
Weight loss is a lot more than just fitting into smaller jeans. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can improve your overall well-being. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and many different illnesses.
Ready to go on a weight loss journey?
Dr. Chaula Patel provides skilled and experienced care to help patients safely and effectively reach their weight loss goals. She provides the supportive care and guidance you need to lose weight and to keep those extra pounds from returning. Every patient is unique, and Dr. Patel personalizes every diet and exercise plan to support healthy and satisfying results of care! Approved weight-loss medication is prescribed only if needed. And, while monitoring your progress every step of the way, Dr. Patel also keeps an eye on any underlying medical problems you may have as well as your hormone levels and nutritional status.
By Chaula Patel, MD
September 29, 2022
