The Secret to Long-Term Weight Loss: How to Create a Healthy Lifestyle

Losing weight can be challenging, but keeping it off can be even more challenging. Many people are able to lose weight in the short term, but they struggle to maintain their their long-term weight loss. This is because they approach weight loss as a temporary goal rather than a permanent lifestyle change. If you want to lose weight and keep it off for the long term, you need to focus on building a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to help you get started on your journey to long-term weight loss.
 

1. Set realistic goals
   
   The first step to building a sustainable healthy lifestyle is to set realistic goals. You need to be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve. Don't set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Instead, set small, achievable goals that will help you build momentum and keep you motivated.
   
   
    

2. Focus on your why
   
   Another important aspect of building a sustainable healthy lifestyle is to focus on your why. Why do you want to achieve long-term weight loss and get healthy? Is it to feel better about yourself? To improve your health? To have more energy? Whatever your why is, make sure you keep it at the forefront of your mind. This will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.
   
   
    

3. Make sustainable changes
   
   In order to build a sustainable healthy lifestyle, you need to make sustainable changes. This means making changes that you can stick with for the long term. Don't try to make drastic changes all at once. Instead, make small changes to your diet and exercise routine that you can sustain over time.
   
   
    

4. Focus on whole foods
   
   One of the best things you can do for your health is to focus on whole foods. Whole foods are foods that are minimally processed and contain no added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. They are packed with nutrients and can help you feel full and satisfied. Some examples of whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
   
   
    

5. Move your body
   
   In addition to focusing on your diet, you also need to focus on your exercise routine. Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and improving your overall health. You don't have to become a gym rat to get the benefits of exercise. Simply finding ways to move your body every day can help. This could be as simple as taking a walk or doing some stretching.
   
   
    

6. Get enough sleep
   
   Sleep is often overlooked when it comes to long-term weight loss and overall health, but it is essential for both. Lack of sleep can disrupt your hormones, increase your appetite, and decrease your energy levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to ensure that your body has the time it needs to rest and recover.
   
   
    

Conclusion:

In conclusion, building a sustainable healthy lifestyle is the key to long-term weight loss. By setting realistic goals, focusing on your why, making sustainable changes, focusing on whole foods, moving your body, and getting enough sleep, you can create a lifestyle that will help you achieve your long-term weight loss goals and maintain your results for the long term.

The key to achieving long-term weight loss is to focus on creating a healthy lifestyle rather than simply following a short-term diet. By making sustainable changes to your eating habits, physical activity levels, and overall mindset, you can achieve lasting results and improve your overall health and wellbeing.

The first step to creating a healthy lifestyle is to set achievable goals and make gradual changes to your daily routine. This could involve adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, finding an exercise routine that you enjoy, or practicing mindfulness and stress-reducing techniques.

It's also important to focus on building healthy habits rather than trying to adhere to strict rules or restrictions. This means finding balance and moderation in your diet, incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, and prioritizing self-care and rest.

Remember, long-term weight loss is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to make long-term changes to your lifestyle. But by taking a holistic approach and focusing on your overall health and wellbeing, you can achieve your weight loss goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle for years to come.

Citations:

• Aronne, L. J., Wadden, T. A., Peterson, C., Winslow, D., Odeh, S., & Gadde, K. M. (2013). Evaluation of phentermine and topiramate versus phentermine/topiramate extended-release in obese adults. Obesity, 21(11), 2163-2171.
• Hales, C. M., Carroll, M. D., Fryar, C. D., & Ogden, C. L. (2020). Prevalence of obesity and severe obesity among adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS data brief, (360), 1-8.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Also in Wisdom News