Weight loss: How do you develop a new healthy fitness habit?

Experts Say it Takes 21 Days to Form a New Habit.

How do we develop a new weight loss habit?

There are two main factors in developing new weight loss habits. The first is repetition. We just have to start doing something! We all have been really eager to set new goals and dream about what that resulting goal is going to get us, but that enthusiasm is simply not enough to make our dreams reality. We have to put those goals to action if we are going to see any results.

Habit is what is going to maintain that change in long-term behavior. Habits are formed through prioritizing and repetition. Rather than choosing if you are going to exercise, decide when you are going to exercise. Over time it will become a part of your day, a part of your routine, it will become habit.

Exercise needs to become a habit we incorporate in our lifestyle.

Make it a habit to do a weight training routine regularly. Make it a habit to do some kind of cardiovascular exercise regularly. Make it a habit to stretch daily. Make it a habit to eat proper proportions. Habitually steer away from empty calories especially high sugar foods.

So at first it might feel like a chore to get up off the couch pull on your running shoes and head out the door, but if you are consistent and persistent over time, you won’t see that it is a chore anymore but rather it becomes a part of who you are.

The second factor in developing habits is rewards. Unfortunately your weight loss program doesn’t always yield immediate rewards. For me personally I have to work out pretty hard for one to two months before I notice any physical changes. The main reason for this is we are with ourselves every second of everyday of our lives. Although our bodies are changing we just don’t recognize that change as easily.

As you begin developing new habits of successful weight loss and fitness you will notice changes in your energy levels and confidence because you are taking control and taking action to make a change that will improve your life! Since the physical rewards aren’t noticed right away feel free to set little rewards for yourself on short term goals that you set and meet. But make them rewards that are going to keep you motivated and moving toward your goals.

An example would be if I set the goal to be able to run three miles straight without stopping. Once I reached that goal I would go to a movie with a friend, or maybe buy an new outfit for that newly trimmed figure. Whatever motivates you. Setting your rewards for your short term goals is going to make your fitness journey more exciting!

It really is about making a lifestyle change! And our lifestyle really is a combination of what ever our currnet fitness habits are.

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Are You Training Your Body to be Fat?

So…How’s is your weight loss Going? I don’t pose this question to bring on frustration or discouragement but rather to get you to take a step back for a minute and remember the basics. When approaching fitness it is essential to remember that our bodies are amazing and the majority of the time they stay in perfect balance.

Would you like to lose 10 pounds ? Then keep this in mind. The average American gains 1.5 lbs.of fat a year. That calculates out to an excess of 5,250 calories for the year or an extra 14.38 calories per day! This means that that one last bite at dinner, if it is one bite too much, really does add up!!! The point is physiologically speaking our bodies are smart and function exactly how they should. What ever form we are right now results mostly from our life style and habits or in essence how we are “training” our bodies’ everyday. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. If we want a different outcome then we have to make some changes!!

Why do we do what we do? How does this effect our ability to lose weight? It is important to change our habits, but before we can be effective in making that change permanent, it is essential to evaluate the core of our being and analyze our belief system. Everybody does everything for a reason. If we can alter our belief system and change the way we think that will result in a change in behavior and a change in our habits, and a change in our overall fitness level.

For example: You get home late. You have been driving the kids to and from school, to soccer and back home again, and it has been a long day of running errands and finishing work. You come home to a house that looks as if a tornado has passed through. You are tired, worn out and just need a little break. You go to the refrigerator and open the freezer and you see the carton of ice cream screaming your name. You reach in and grab the carton with a giant spoon and you begin digging away. What is it about the ice cream that you believe is going to help you feel less stressed? There is something or you wouldn’t have been eager to grab that container. Many people turn to food as a comfort. I am not saying we shouldn’t enjoy food; it really should be a pleasure in life but there needs to be a healthy balance.

It is when you become dependent on food that you are going to over eat and think that food is the enemy and ultimately develop an unhealthy relationship with food. We have to get back to truth. Is food an enemy? Of course not… we would not be living if it weren’t for food. Is food going to relieve our stress? Most likely not. It is only going to distract us from the problem that we don’t want to face. Make sure your belief system is based on truth! Then begin building your fitness habits from there.

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Tags: Starting a Fitness Plan, fitness habits, lose 10 pounds fitness, lose weight, Weight Loss