How to start a successful weight-loss journey

Back on the weight-loss track

I’ve been back on the wagon for a while now, but a recent fall took a lot out of me. While I was getting over the extra weight that I gained while waiting for the wagon to come back to fetch me, I realised a few things about wagon falls and how to avoid them again.

There are a ton of tips that I could give you, but today I want to talk about accepting that it is inevitable to fail.

Of course you need to have goals in mind, have a plan in place and push forward, but you also need to know that all your plans could go to pot in minutes. You could get sick, have an emergency that needs your attention or be overwhelmed with life – it happens and you cannot plan for it. What you can plan for though is how to bounce back from when life gets you down.

Know that you’ll slip up

When I am stressed out, the first thing that I still want to do is lie on the couch and binge on a series of snacks. On those days I spend a lot of time trying to justify why it’s totally okay to overeat or skip gym altogether and that’s okay. I’m human.

The trick is knowing when to snap out of it.

If you replay the negative thinking cycle and keep justifying bad habits for the sake of a little comfort, you will never be able to achieve your goals. Worse still, you will hold yourself responsible for failing and start the nasty cycle of self-loathing all over again. Rather accept that it might happen, forgive yourself when it does and move on.

Reflect on your past

It’s taken me a while, but I know what works for me and my weight-loss goals, so I try not to deviate from that too much. I’ve tried a lot in the past to keep me motivated and pushing as well, but what really works is to share my progress with my coach. That way I’m accountable, focused and know that he’ll point out where I’m slipping up.

Find what works for you and stick with it. Hang up pictures of athletes or dig out the pair of jeans that you are sure you’ll wear again (and work hard so that you can). Keep your eye on the prize with the things that you know will keep you pushing forward.

Weight loss doesn’t have to be a chore, but it will be challenging. Be ready to face the challenges with back-up plans in place and always remember to be kind to yourself on this journey. It’s a tough one and you’re brave for embarking on it.

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