7 Steps to Losing Weight in the New Year
New Year’s resolutions are easy to break. And if losing weight is your goal for the upcoming year, one little slip can make you forget your resolve. At Stand Up Desk Store, we believe you can make a decision for better health at any time: not just January 1st. But realistic goals must be part of your plan. We’re here with a few simple steps that help you keep your commitment and achieve your weight loss goals.
1. Set Realistic Objectives
Unrealistic expectations set you up for failure—once you realize you can’t achieve them you accept defeat. Make short-term goals your focus, not the end result. For instance, if your resolution is to lose 30 pounds, then make 3–4 pounds your weight loss goal each month. You won’t get overwhelmed by the big picture, and the success you experience will keep you motivated.
2. Make Exercise Convenient
Scheduling workouts might feel like a huge lifestyle change, but designating specific times for fitness is essential. Otherwise, you’ll keep putting it off. Choose activities you can easily fit within your regular routine. If the closest gym is too far from your work or home, you might never find time to go. Do what’s convenient for you. Go for a walk, ride a bike, take an online Pilates class—anything that gets you moving.
3. Get a Personal Trainer or Workout Buddy
Accountability is important when changing any behavior, but especially when losing weight. When you have to report to someone else and are expected to keep a scheduled appointment, you’re more likely to follow through. A personal trainer has the expertise to help you meet your weight loss goals. And spending money for their time requires you to show up. If you can’t afford to hire a personal trainer, find an encouraging workout buddy to keep you on track.
4. Use a Stand Up Desk
Targeted goals lead to more success than lofty aspirations. And using an adjustable-height stand up desk is an objective you can easily meet. Set goals for how many hours you want to stand each day and use a pedometer to track your steps. A standing desk makes burning calories convenient. You have to go to work so why not lose weight while you’re there?
5. Track What You Eat
To lose weight and keep it off, you must alter your eating habits. Incorporate vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins into your diet and keep junk food out of reach. A food diary is another way to hold yourself accountable for healthy behaviors. Log your daily meals and be honest about what you’ve consumed—it’s the only way to pinpoint the changes you need to make.
6. Be Prepared for Lapses
Everyone makes mistakes. Accept that slip-ups are part of the process and keep moving forward. Every day presents challenges and acknowledging your weaknesses is the best way to overcome them. All-or-nothing weight loss plans are rarely successful, so giving yourself a “cheat-treat” once a week might be the best way to avoid guilt and make your new diet doable.
7. Celebrate Success
Reward yourself for reaching important milestones in your weight loss journey—you deserve it! Give yourself a shopping trip or a day at the spa, anything that’s not counterintuitive to your goals. Positive reinforcement encourages you to work hard. So assign a prize to each goal you achieve and relish every victory!
Burn more calories and achieve your weight loss goals with a standing workstation. Shop now, or for more information, contact us today!
