Weight Loss Tips: How to Avoid Diet Pitfalls

Let's face it: losing weight is tough. When you begin a new weight loss plan, you start out motivated to the hilt and raring to go. Then reality sets in. But don't give up! The following tips will help you stay motivated and sidetrack some common weight loss snares.

Be realistic
Start out with goals and expectations that are practical and attainable. Breaking down your long-term goal into smaller ones with practical timelines will help you feel more hopeful. And chances are you will slip up from time to time. That is ok. Don't throw in the towel! You are working on changing a lifetime of habits; it won't happen overnight, so give yourself a break, pick up, dust yourself off and learn from the situation.

Watch those restrictions
If we tell ourselves we absolutely cannot have a certain item, that is the thing we are going to obsess over! It's simply human nature. So rather than declare a certain food or food group off limits focus on making healthier choices and make allowances for occasional treats. And make those treats something really worthwhile. If you know you'll get to have your favorite cookies fresh from the bakery next Thursday, it will be easier to pass on day-old donuts at your staff meeting.

Make your home weight loss friendly
While you shouldn't restrict foods, you also don't want to make unhealthy foods too accessible. Clean out your cupboards and get rid of anything you might find simply too tempting. It's easy to say that you'll have the willpower to resist those gooey snack cakes, the decadent ice cream, or those crisp potato chips now. But after a really rotten day they'll be calling you by name!

Plan ahead
Keep healthy food choices readily available. Pack portion-controlled treats in your purse or glove box. Plan a week's worth of menus at a time. Before you go to bed make your lunch for the following day. Have weight loss friendly breakfast bars or smoothies at the ready so you have something healthy to grab on those mornings you don't have time to sit down to eat.

Change your perspective
Instead of looking at exercise as an arduous chore, think about it as a luxury. The time you spend working out is time you can focus on you and not feel guilty. Also, choose exercise you will enjoy or you won't stick with it. Know what is fun for you. If being around other, like-minded people inspires you, join a spinning or water aerobics class. If you appreciate solitude and getting lost in thought, consider hiking or running.

Take baby steps
Don't give in to the idea that you have to change everything at once. As previously stated, you are changing your whole lifestyle. Be gentle on yourself. If you almost never drink water, start by aiming for 30 - 40 ounces a day. Once that becomes habit you can work up to more. If you lead a very sedentary lifestyle, don't train for a marathon. Begin with ten minutes of exercise a day and go up from there. Every small step is a step in the right direction!