When making any type of lifestyle change I find it helpful to do an easier thing first, this boosts your self confidence while building up to your main objective. I also find mini-goals very helpful, these can be changed monthly, weekly, even daily if you choose.
Last October I stopped smoking, drinking beer, and drinking diet soda all at the same time. I have quit smoking dozens of times over the years… patch, gum, medicine, cold turkey… nothing worked for me until I stopped the other stuff too. I didn’t stop over night, I started my limiting myself to a soda a day, then every 2 days, etc. The soda has actually been the hardest, I have had the most relapses and the most cravings for a diet cola. I had to learn to forgive myself for being human and move on, learning with each fail.
When I decided to eat healthier and lose weight I had to break it down, your total weight loss number may be completely overwhelming. I put the total number out of my head and instead concentrated on my baby step philosophy. One week I added a serving of fruit every day and gave myself a small reward for that. The next week I added a serving of vegetables, then I added more water, then I increased my exercise by 10 minutes, etc.
Small goals increase your self-esteem, you feel as if now that you have accomplished one goal the next will be easy, and it does seem easier. No one wants to try to lose 50 pounds, but I could maybe lose 5, or even one. One pound is actually quite a bit of fat and losing one is an accomplishment. Treat yourself accordingly.
You can make several affirmations and small treats, put them in a jar & pull one out with each accomplished goal, I like quotes, affirmations, pretty pictures, and small treats. When trying to eat healthier, food is not the best treat, but a single piece of smooth dark chocolate allowed to melt on the tongue feels extremely decadent and like a treat. I also will include a manicure or pedicure, a new workout outfit, a small bouquet from the grocery store, a movie, a massage, etc.
The most important point is that a new lifestyle can be yours, take small steps towards it, and never forget that you are beautiful and amazing and fully capable of these changes. I believe in you, believe in yourself too!
About the author:
MamaSteph has 2 kids by birth and several by love, she is a nurse and enjoys finding healthier ways to make comfort foods, gardening, enjoying nature, and living life to the fullest…For a list of her blogs please click here.
