In an era where weight losses are tracked weekly in reality shows like The Biggest Loser, it can be easy to think that losing 5-10 pounds in a pinch is the norm. These expectations are unrealistic and can lead you to regard diets that don’t achieve this as ineffective. Temper your expectations and you will find that the results can be just as good, if not better.
Health experts cite 1-2 pounds lost per week as a realistic target. Research shows that weight loss is easier when you start that diet or exercise regimen before it plateaus and weight loss becomes that much harder. This is the period when only your will and dedication can lead to good results. Remember that the formula for losing weight is simple: you need to expend more calories than you consume. Every successful diet or exercise plan either helps you expends more calories or makes you cut down on calories consumed. The key is staying focused and motivated enough to continue with the program.
The good news is that it gets easier the more you get used to your diet and exercise programs. A decrease in overall body weight also decreases the body’s energy requirements. This means that you need to consume less food that when you initially started losing weight. Exercise is also something that you will grow accustomed to. Exercising for a sufficient amount of time releases pleasure-inducing chemicals that make you feel better as you are exercising. That should be enough motivation to start exercising!
All else fails, just remember the basic formula that every dieter should start from: expend calories, consume less calories. Eat well, exercise enough, and the results should be there.
