If you’ve fallen off of the weight loss wagon, there are always ways to get back on track with your weight loss! With a little bit of diligence, commitment and refocus, you can get right back to dropping the pounds like you never stopped! Weight loss is actually a pretty easy thing; it’s keeping the weight off that is the most challenging. Regardless of if you have 10 or 100 pounds to lose, the same principles apply. Here are 7 ways to get back on track with your weight loss if you’ve fallen off the weight loss wagon!
1. Reassess Your Goals
One of the first ways to get back on track with your weight loss is to reassess your goals. Well-defined SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) goals are crucial when it comes to weight loss success. Weight loss does not happen overnight, therefore keeping sight of your goals throughout the entire journey is crucial. Maybe you’ve set goals that are unrealistic or maybe you can do a little bit more. Whatever it is, be sure to reassess your goals throughout the entire process!
2. Maintain a Positive Attitude
When it comes to successful weight loss, one of the most important things to remember is the power of positivity. Tell yourself that you cannot do something and you won't; however, tell yourself that you can do something and you will! This is true for weight loss too. We are all capable of doing anything we want as long as we believe in ourselves. Keep negative self-talk out of your words and don’t beat yourself up if you have a bad day – tomorrow provides another chance to do things right!
3. Take Another Small Step Forward
If you’ve fallen off of the weight loss wagon, one of the best things that you can do for yourself is take a small step forward. No matter how small the step is, one positive thing can lead to another and before you know it the snowball will be rolling down the hill! Go for a walk, eat a healthy dinner, pass on the dessert, choose water instead of soda – any of these behaviors can really change your outlook and kick start your healthy living achievements.
4. Find Support
Trying to lose weight can be a lonely process, especially if everyone around you is fighting against your healthy living goals. It is important to find support during this challenging time. Call a friend, email your mom, Skype someone, whatever you need to do to find encouraging support, do it! Finding good support can make or break your weight loss goals!
5. Plan Your Strategy
Just like you might need to reassess your goals, you might also need to take a deeper look at your strategy. Is your plan detailed enough? Where are your biggest obstacles? How will you overcome them? Take some time to plan your strategy so that you know exactly how you are going to do this. A detailed plan will help you better stay on track throughout your weight loss journey!
6. Get Moving
One of the best ways to get motivated again is actually quite simple - get moving! Activity and exercise cause your brain to produce feel good hormones which can really help inspire you to make healthy decisions. Whether it be taking a walk or busting it in the gym, any form of exercise is always a good choice. As you know, exercise burns calories, therefore, that alone will help you lose the pounds.
7. Recommit
Just like with anything else, if you want to do something successfully, it’s important to stay committed. If you’ve fallen off the weight loss wagon but are hoping to continue losing weight, you have to recommit to making it happen. Take a look at your goals and reconsider why you want to lose weight in the first place. Use these goals as a reminder to stay committed. Maybe it’s because you want to decrease your chances of developing a disease or maybe it’s because you want to be able to play with your children in the front yard. Whatever it is, recommit to making it happen.
Without the proper tools, weight loss and weight maintenance can be an extremely challenge task. Use these tips and refocus on your journey. What are your biggest challenges when it comes to losing weight?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I stay motivated after falling off the weight loss wagon?
- Focus on your progress, set small achievable goals, and remind yourself why you started.
- Is it okay to have cheat days during weight loss?
- Yes, occasional cheat days can help, but keep them controlled to avoid losing momentum.
- What’s the best way to handle cravings when trying to lose weight?
- Try healthy alternatives, stay hydrated, and distract yourself with activities to reduce cravings.
- How important is meal planning for getting back on track?
- Meal planning is super helpful as it keeps you prepared and less likely to make unhealthy choices.
- Can exercise help me regain my weight loss progress?
- Absolutely, incorporating regular exercise boosts metabolism and helps burn extra calories.
- How do I avoid feeling guilty about slipping up?
- Be kind to yourself; one slip doesn't erase your hard work—just refocus and keep moving forward.
- Should I track my food intake to get back on track?
- Tracking can increase awareness and help control portions, making it easier to stay on track.
- How much water should I drink during weight loss efforts?
- Aim for at least 8 cups a day, as water helps with metabolism and reduces hunger.
- Is it better to lose weight quickly or gradually?
- Gradual weight loss is safer and more sustainable for long-term success.
- What are simple lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss?
- Incorporate regular physical activity, eat balanced meals, and monitor your progress consistently.