Weight loss doesn't happen overnight. Generally, weight loss occurs as a result of pre-planning healthy, portion-controlled meals and scheduling time for calorie-burning activities on a regular basis. Planning is a big part of a successful weight loss strategy. Here are some steps to help you make your weekly plans work for you!

Be Realistic

When you begin a weight loss program, you’re motivated and excited to see results. While this excitement is good, don’t let it tempt you to set unrealistic goals. Just as you didn’t gain your weight overnight, it’s not realistic to expect to lose it that quickly. To help ensure success, set small goals often but be sure to set the “right” ones.

Your plan should focus on the three important aspects of your weight loss journey:

• Eating Well -- practice a new dining strategy.
• Moving More -- increase the number of steps you walk.
• Living Life -- think differently; change from negative to positive self-talk.

Focus on the Benefits to Fuel Motivation

After creating a smart plan with reasonable goals, remember to think about why it’s important to you. Think of all the benefits that completing your plan will bring such as:

• More energy
• A better self-image
• A greater sense of control
• Improved health
• Happiness with appearance
• Closer relationships

Fuel your motivation. Write down the benefits you want to gain, and place the list somewhere you’ll see it like on your mirror or your refrigerator. Every time you read it, imagine how those benefits will make you feel. Visualizing the “new” you can urge you to make healthier choices throughout the day.

Choose What Matters Most

To get the most out of your program, share what's important to you with your consultant. Do you need support with eating out or managing afternoon munchies? Whatever you need your consultant is there for you.

Focus on the Benefits

Once you choose your focus, think about the benefits that making such changes will yield. Focusing on the benefits can foster the positive attitude you will need moving forward.

Know Your Challenges

When you think about your area of focus, take a moment to honestly assess who or what could get in your way. Then, make a plan to help keep you away from your goal detractors.

Set a Realistic Goal

You didn't gain your weight overnight, so it's not realistic to expect to lose it overnight. To reach your success, set a goal that is specific, realistic and motivating for you. Perhaps your first goal is to lose 5* pounds in one month. Once you've reached this goal, make another realistic goal for yourself. And to fuel your motivation, don’t forget to reward yourself for all the hard work along the way.

Before you know it, you’ll be celebrating your new look and your new wardrobe!

*Clients following our program, on average, lose 1-2 pounds per week.