Healthy Weight Loss Journey for Newbies:

 You want to get your weight loss facts straight so that the process doesn't take longer than it needs to before starting a new diet and workout plan.

With the way 2020 has been going, a lot of people have had to shift their workouts away from a gym-based routine. Doing it all from home, be it with a home gym set up or just going out for a bike ride or such. There’s nothing wrong with that. It saves you money and limits your risk in this wild time.

But for those that have shifted to a more outdoor-based workout, the shift in temperatures can be a bit of a problem. It’s a lot easier to burn off some weight when it’s hot outside. Not as easy to do so when the temperatures are low. Nor is it all that easy to even get up the energy to do so when the cold is biting. 

These are the weight loss tips for beginners that will help newbies slim down successfully and keep the pounds off for good

It’s more than Appearance:

Your weight affects you in many ways other than your appearance. Your weight can also affect your quality of life, self-esteem, your health, your mental well-being and your ability to carry out certain physical tasks. Reaching a healthy weight is worth your time and effort.

Journal:

You should ask yourself certain questions before you begin a diet. You should know why you want to lose weight, if you are ready for a long-term commitment to healthy eating and exercise and if you have good social support systems in place.

Medical examination:

You should see a doctor for a physical before you start a diet. Your doctor can tell you how your health may improve with weight loss and if there are any special medical concerns that you need to consider when you choose a diet and exercise program.

Be Ready for Permanent Change:

To lose weight effectively, you will have to permanently change four aspects of your life: what you eat, how you eat, your social behavior and your activity level. You should be ready for real change in your life.

Avoid Weight Loss Scams:

You should have reasonable expectations. Don't fall victim to weight loss scams that promise major weight loss in a short period of time. Those products don't work!

Make Small Goals:

Small goals are more likely to keep you motivated and focused. Try to decrease your calorie intake by 3500 calories per week to lose one pound per week.

Choose a Diet You Will Enjoy:

You won’t stick to a diet that is comprised of foods you do not like. So choose your weight loss plan carefully. And then fill your kitchen with diet-friendly but satisfying foods.

Commit to the Time Needed:

Before you start your diet, ask yourself how long you can maintain the eating and exercise plan. If you can’t imagine staying on a particular plan until you reach your goal weight, try something else.

Say no to Yo-Yo dieting:

Going on and off the same diet plan, again and again, leads to yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo dieters have a harder time keeping weight off for the long-term. It's smarter to diet once, rather than going on and off weight loss plans repeatedly.

Address Your Stress:

You need to plan alternative strategies to cope with emotional eating. Many people with weight issues have the habit of eating in response to emotions and stress. If you don't address emotional eating, your diet isn't likely to be successful.

Know the Health Risks of Being Overweight:

The dangers of being overweight are real. Being obese can carry life-threatening health risks. When your motivation starts to dip, keep this in mind to keep yourself on track.

Set a Realistic Goal Weight:

Your ultimate goal should be a realistic one. Some of us will never fit into that wedding or prom dress again. Our bodies change with time. Settle for a weight that is healthy for you at your current stage in life, not 15 years ago.

Choose Moderation:

Some popular diets don't work. Weight loss programs that prohibit entire food groups or restrict calories too severely can lead to uncontrollable cravings and binge eating. Moderation is the key.

Don't Weigh Too Often:

Your weight will fluctuate from day to day. Resist the urge to weigh yourself on a daily basis. Weighing yourself too often may discourage you. Weigh yourself at the same time of day once a week.

Appreciate That It Will Take Discipline:

Losing weight isn't easy. There is no magic pill or quick fix for long-term, healthy weight loss. It’s going to take a lot of discipline and hard work. But just because something is difficult, it’s not impossible. The fact is...you can do it!

Quality over quantity:

Working out is key to losing weight and staying upbeat—no surprise there. Exercise prompts a change in brain chemicals that lifts your mood. And the effects are almost immediate, says Michael W. Otto, Ph.D. professor of psychology at Boston University and co-author of Exercise for Mood and Anxiety. The pick-me-up can happen within just five minutes of completing a moderate workout

Workout in gym is motivating than at home, so for that you can start with the following steps:

Gym partner:

Bringing a friend to the gym can make the whole experience a lot less stressful and scary. It can make your workout sessions a lot more sociable and enjoyable, helping to take your mind off the things that are making you anxious. Having a gym buddy who knows what they’re doing is also a major bonus, since they can help you with the different exercises and any questions you may have around health and fitness.

Quiet hours:

If it’s at all possible you should avoid the peak times at the gym – usually from 4-7pm. The gym can get really crowded during the peak times and you will struggle to even get to use a lot of the equipment! If you’re someone who dislikes crowded places, it’s best to try to go to the gym during off-peak hours. Some gyms have mobile apps that let you check the number of people currently in the gym, so you can time your session well.

 

Planning stage:

Once you know what you’re going to be training and what exercises you will be doing, you can mentally rehearse your session. This has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing anxiety in a sports performance setting.

Gym playlist:

It’s the eye of the tiger! Probably nothing will get you as pumped about hitting the gym, as listening to your favorite metal or deep house music. Turn on the music and turn off the outside world. Listening to music has been shown to have many benefits on sports performance,

Comfort and confidence:

We all know that the right outfit can make you feel a lot more confident, so the same thing applies to your gym clothing. Whether it’s baggy jogging bottoms and a hoodie or skinny leggings and a vest, the right outfit can make a big difference in reducing your gym anxiety.

Whatever gym outfit makes you feel more confident, wear it and you’ll feel a lot more ready to get in the gym and smash.

All of the above content is tailored to guide newbies in their fitness  journey from the beginning.