Trying to lose weight is a journey, and it’s one that’s often filled with misconceptions about what to expect and how quickly you should see results. In truth, it can take longer than you expect and you may have to think carefully about what choices you’re making throughout the day to ensure you do see the results you want. The following are some realistic expectations you should have when you’re ready to start losing weight.
It Shouldn’t Be Fast
It’s not healthy to lose a bunch of weight fast. There are always stories of people who lose 30lbs in a month, but the reality is that this isn’t healthy and can end up setting you back in the long run. When you lose weight too fast, you can end up gaining it all back again when you go back to the habits you had before trying to lose weight. Slow and steady is the goal, not losing as much as possible in the next few weeks or months.
Your Weight Will Fluctuate
Many people don’t realize that their weight fluctuates during the day. Eating, exercising, going to the bathroom, and more can have an impact on your weight. If you weigh yourself in the morning and again in the evening, you can see the difference. If you are trying to check your weight regularly, do it at the same time every day. That can be more accurate and will give you a better idea of how much you’re losing.
Weight Loss Will Vary Weekly
From week to week, your weight loss will vary, too. One week you might lose three or four pounds, the next week you might only use one. What happens during the week, the choices you make, your metabolism, and a lot more can impact how quickly you lose weight. You might even gain a pound or two from one week to the next, then lose it all the following week. The goal is to see an overall decline in your weight instead of focusing just on how much you lose from one week to the next.
Eating Less Might Not Do It
It might be surprising to hear, but many people don’t need to cut down on how much they eat to lose weight. It does help you lose weight to eat less if you’re eating too much during the day, but it could also be the type of food you’re choosing. By eating healthier foods, you can see weight loss without having to strictly reduce how much you’re eating or count every calorie. What you’re eating counts a lot more than how much.
Diet and Exercise Work Together
Diet alone can help you lose weight, as can exercise. When you combine them, though, it’s a more powerful force that can help you reach your goals. Going on a walk, heading to the gym, or exercising at home can all help you lose weight. Just remember that you may be gaining muscle doing this, which is heavier than fat, so though your weight might plateau for a bit, you could still see your pants size dropping.
If you’re ready to start losing weight, now’s a great time to get started. Just make sure you have realistic expectations and that you aren’t trying to push yourself too hard to see results.
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