Do you feel pangs of jealousy when you read an article or see a blog about women who lose weight and keep it off? It’s only normal to be a bit envious when someone conquers a problem you fight. It’s not easy to lose weight, but it seems effortless to pack on the pounds.
Why do women seem to have such an issue with weight gain? Well, for starters, you have hormone fluctuations that cause bloating. Second, you retain water at certain times during the month, and then there are the lovely things that childbirth does to your body.
Add to this that there are fast-food restaurants on every corner and ice cream and donut shops aplenty, and it’s a recipe for disaster. What makes these women who lose weight so much stronger than you? Do they have some internal mindset that drives them, or do they have strong willpower to resist temptation?
If you lined up several successful women in the battle of the bulge, you would start to see some similarities. There are certain things that you do and habits you develop that ensure you will lose weight and keep it off.
Ten Daily Habits of Ladies Who Lose Weight for Good
According to Ace Fitness, there are many reasons why some people are more successful in their weight loss journey than others. For instance, one person may have a different amount of muscle mass that affects their metabolism. Another factor can be starting weight.
When a person tends to be in the obese or super obese category, it can be easier for them to lose weight than ten vanity pounds. Lastly, the mindset in these people is much different. They have a definitive goal before them, and they won’t let anyone stop them. Here are ten habits of women who lose weight with ease that you should adapt.
1. They Become Determined
It’s often been said that weight loss first begins in the brain. If you don’t have your mindset geared towards success, then you won’t go far in your journey. Your words hold power over you, so the things you speak about should be positive and uplifting.
Doing daily positive affirmations is a good place to start. Tell yourself that you will stick to a low-calorie diet; you will not buy any more junk food, limiting your carbs and high fatty items. When you start each day with morning affirmations, it sets you up for success.
2. They Keep A Food Diary
Journaling is an essential part of a mentally well-balanced person. It’s a space for you to get out all the angst you feel inside. One way that women who lose weight succeed is by keeping a journal of their food intake.
You can keep this diary through an app on your smartphone or use the old-fashioned pen and paper method. The goal is to ensure that you take account of every bite that you put into your mouth. Also, keeping a diary about your thoughts and feelings during this process is likewise essential.
Who knows, you may end up having a bestselling book on your hands that can inspire others to fight the battle of the bulge.
3. They Meal Plan
Living a healthy lifestyle takes some work. Sure, it’s easy to stop at the fast-food restaurant down the road and grab a burger and fries for dinner, but it’s not the healthiest option. Someone determined to lose weight will plan, shop for the freshest produce, and be prepared for the week.
It takes a bit more time and effort to have your meals planned out, and lunches packed, but it’s worth it. While it costs more to eat healthily, you may find that with the reduction in your consumption, you save money anyway.
4. They Know They Will Have Bad Days
Part of having a good mindset realizes that you’re not going to be perfect. There will be days that you stumble and have that big slice of chocolate cake. The difference between someone successful in their weight loss journey versus someone who isn’t is the ability to keep going after failure.
Oprah Winfrey has achieved monumental success with weight loss. Her journey has been ongoing for more than 40 years. Her highest weight was 237 lbs, but now she is a trim size ten and isn’t looking back.
Even with all her money and prestige, Oprah still goes up and down with her weight. However, 10-20 lbs. weight differences for someone who was once pushing the mid-200 range is a significant achievement. Why is Oprah so successful? Even when she gains a little bit because she’s fallen off the wagon, she gets right back on and continues her journey.
5. They Set Small Obtainable Goals
Assume you have 100 pounds to lose. It seems like an overwhelming amount to consider, and it might be too much for your mind to comprehend. However, if you break that down into smaller, more manageable goals, it’s easier to succeed.
Set your goals at losing ten pounds rather than 50. When you hit that ten-pound mark, then you should celebrate in some small way. When you hit larger goals like 25 or even 50 lbs., your celebrations should be grander.
It’s all about stroking those pleasure centers within the brain that give you the boost you need to keep going. The child inside you likes to be rewarded, so give them what they want to keep your mojo going.
6. They Get Help
If you have a serious problem with your weight, you must realize that you may need help. There are many natural ways that you can get the guidance you need without going under the knife. Things like weight loss hypnosis have proven to be effective as a tool to help you.
Other things that work include psychotherapy, joining support groups, and having an accountability partner may also be beneficial. You must understand that this is a big job, and oversized tasks require more than one person to help.
7. They Drink Plenty of Water
One thing that women who lose weight know are that their water intake is crucial. According to the Mayo Clinic, your body is 50-70 percent water weight. Your system uses water to help function, and without the proper levels, you will die.
Water helps flush toxins and fat from your body, so you need to increase your water intake rather than decrease it when you’re dieting. Forget diet sodas, coffee, and juice as these have water in them, but they don’t have the same benefits as pure H2O.
8. They Know They Need Carbs
While the Keto Diet is popular because it makes people lose weight quickly, but smart women know they need some carbs. If you cut yourself off from all carbs cold turkey, you’re setting yourself up for failure. It’s okay to have a donut on occasion, but you need to work it into your daily caloric intake.
Women who lose weight know that it’s all about keeping a well-rounded diet full of fruits and vegetables and healthy complex carbs.
9. They Hit the Gym
Regardless of where you are in your weight loss journey, you need to move your body more. Exercise is beneficial for your mental and physical health, and it should be a regular part of your week. Strive to hit the gym or do a workout at home at least three times a week for about 20 minutes at a time.
10. They Ditch the Diet Mentality
Finally, women who lose weight know that diets don’t work. Instead, they must make adaptable lifestyle changes that will go with them for life. Achieving weight loss is a journey and not a destination you will ever arrive at.
While you may get to your goal weight, like Oprah, you will need to maintain that weight. There will be times when you gain a bit and need to cut back even more. This journey will be ongoing and one of the hardest of your life, but you can do it.
Final Thoughts on Women Who Lose Weight
A recent Gallup Poll showed that 56 percent of Americans want to lose weight. Sadly, more than half of today’s society is not happy with their body and the way they look. The good news is that you can do something about it.
You can make some changes and develop new habits starting today that will change your life. You can have the amazing body you want and be healthy without taking invasive steps to accomplish this. First, make up your mind that you will conquer this weight.
Next, keep a journal, meal prep, and stay away from fast food. Last, get some support and help along this journey, as it seems to consume you if you let it. Surrounding yourself with women who have been successful in weight loss can only encourage you.