Constantly struggling with weight loss is no joke. You can make a goal and work your ass off in the gym and still not see results. At least that’s how it is for me and it leaves me thinking, “What in the hell am I doing wrong?”
The truth is, I’m not a nutritionist and I have terrible eating habits. Even when I’m trying to eat clean, I struggle with temptation. If you put pizza in front of me, chances are it’s going in my mouth. When it comes down to it, my problem isn’t what I’m doing in the gym, it’s what I’m doing outside of it. The truth is, eating habits are just as important, if not more important, than working out. I’ve found that when it comes to losing weight, consistency and clean eating are the keys to success. So, here are some tips on how you can make your weight loss journey more successful.
1. Make A Schedule
I work three jobs. When I’m not at work, I’m trying to catch up on sleep or spend time with my family. So if my workouts are going to be worth it, I have to make a schedule for my schedule. Knowing my plan for each day is so important. It’s so easy to just cruise through the drive-thru somewhere when I’m short on time, but what’s the point of going to the gym if I put those calories right back in my body? Make your schedule for the week. If you know that you’re going to have a crazy day on Thursday with no time to get home for a meal, pack one!
2. Know Your Goals
Walking into the gym without any plan or clue as to what you want to work on isn’t very productive. For me, I know my target areas so when I go to the gym, I use machines that exercise those tricky areas. If you’re unsure about what you want to target, that’s okay! I’m sure your local gym is full of people who would be more than happy to help you out. Most gyms have personal trainers on staff, and I’m sure most would be happy to answer some questions or give you some pointers.
3. Have A Buddy
Find a friend who also likes going to the gym and work out a schedule with them. Even if they can’t always make it there with you, stay in contact and hold each other accountable. Text each other workout summaries when you can’t go together, motivate and push each other. Having someone there who isn’t going to judge and is going through the same thing, can do wonders for your weight loss goals. If you’re into meal prepping, this person can also do that with you! Set a day of the week aside and use it to prepare for that week’s workouts and meals.
4. Do Your Homework
You don’t have to be an expert nutritionist to lose weight. However, there is something to be said for knowing what’s going into your body. All the workouts in the world can’t combat a poor diet. (If beer and pizza were healthy, I would be a supermodel by now.) Ask someone who knows what to watch for. Learn about portion control and know what your body needs on a daily basis. There are so many apps that you can download that will keep track of what you’re eating. My favorite is My Fitness Pal. I can scan the barcodes on food, or just look up what I’m eating. It also tracks my workouts and gives me a goal number of calories for each day.
5. Have A Back-Up
There are so many days where I plan on going to the gym and then something happens that throws my day in a loop. Just remember, there are ways to still get a quick workout in. Even if it’s a mini-workout in your living room, something is better nothing. All you need is 20 minutes and a floor.
The truth is, losing weight is a bitch. It’s not easy and it’s not going to happen overnight. I struggle with it every day. Stick with it, because you deserve all the happiness and healthiness life can offer. Regardless of whether it’s a five-minute walk, or a 50-minute class, you’re making progress and you’re on your way to your goals. You got this, girls!
Featured image via Andrés Gómez on Unsplash
