So, it’s two weeks into January, and I’m sure most people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. A majority of Americans drop their resolutions within a month of the new year, so if you have dropped yours, you’re right on track.
I’m sure if you have made New Year’s resolutions this year, one of them has to do with working out and “losing weight” this year. If you didn’t add these to your list of resolutions, you’re in the minority – losing weight is the second most popular resolution among Americans after “saving money.”
However, it shouldn’t be.
We, as humans, shouldn’t put the pressure of a timeline on us when trying to be as healthy as we can be.
Setting a goal to lose weight (or lose a certain number of pounds, inches, etc.) within one year’s time is crazy and unrealistic. For all we know, in one year’s time, we could have gained weight but be the healthiest version of ourselves.
Many people forget that muscle mass weighs more than fat does, so gaining weight is not always a bad thing. Also, the more muscle you gain, the faster fat burns, so gaining weight can actually be a really good thing!
Setting the expectation of losing weight at the beginning of the year could be setting you up for disappointment.
A lot of the time, you won’t see results as quickly as you anticipate. You’ll feel great, though. But you should never put a visual goal of your “dream body” in your head.
Weight loss journeys take years to complete, not months.
You’ll feel a difference in your body faster than you will see a difference, so it’s important never to put a visual in your head and to start with feeling better about yourself.
Instead of telling yourself you’re going to “lose weight” this year, tell yourself you’ll do little things that will (eventually) lead you there.
For example, make a resolution to sign up for a Sunday morning yoga class or Tuesday night cross-fit class. Promise yourself you’ll cook at home five out of seven nights a week or take a walk every afternoon.
These resolutions create a healthy, sustainable and motivating lifestyle without putting the pressure of dropping 30 pounds on yourself.
Eventually, those 30 pounds will go (if you really work for it), but creating a healthy lifestyle should be your priority, not your dress size.
