If you have tried to lose weight before, but find it difficult to stick to an healthy eating plan it could be that you need to learn new strategies to deal with life's ups and downs. Being able to deal with stress in a positive and healthy way can dramatically increase your chances of successfully losing weight and keeping it off.
Studies show that comfort eating - eating to deal with stress or some other emotional upheaval - is one of the main reasons that weight loss efforts fail. It can be a vicious cycle, with feelings of anxiety causing you to eat more, which causes you to put on weight, which makes you more anxious and so on.
Finding new ways to alleviate stress and anxiety are an integral part of any successful weight loss plan. Here are some tips to help you chill out and slim down!!
Eat Regularly
You need to eat regular meals to keep your energy up and lessen the chance of temptation getting the better of you. Make sure you have a healthy breakfast - it really is the most important meal of the day. If you don't have much time in the mornings a fruit smoothie is a fantastic and quick way to get all the nutrition you need to start the day off well.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
Take your own lunch and snacks to work to avoid being tempted by high calorie fast food and snacks. Have some easy, healthy meals in the freezer for those nights when you just can't cope with cooking.
Exercise
Exercise is a GREAT stress release. If you find you have to much on to fit in your normal exercise routine, try building more activity into your day. Take the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way home, take a walk during your lunch break . . .
Relax
Make sure you take some time out to relax and calm your mind at the end of each day. Take a warm bath, meditate, chat with a friend . . . Whatever you need to do to wind down after the stress of the day. Keeping a journal is a great way to air your thoughts and feelings and put your stresses into perspective.
Stay Focused on Your Goals
Make sure you have your weight loss goals written down so you can reconnect with them whenever you are feeling stressed and your motivation is flagging.
Don't beat yourself up if stress gets the better of you and you stray from your healthy eating plan. Everyone has an off day once in a while. The best thing you can do is forgive yourself and move on. Tomorrow is another day!
