determination to lose those pounds
As I had written in one of my first articles, nothing is impossible. But you need to have the determination to do something without easily giving in to temptation. My journey to losing weight wasn’t an easy one at all. I first tried hitting the gym but that lasted for two weeks. Then I tried going for walks but once the partner ditched, I stopped too. Then came an opportunity to work out at home, but I realized I wasn’t the type who could work out alone. I tried lots of things and finally decided to take the easy way out, or so I thought!
I decided to eat fewer carbohydrates and reduce my sugar intake. Little did I know that this wasn’t an easy way out at all. I was tempted to eat junk, drink sweet juices and consume loads of excessive carbohydrates every single day. And, sometimes I also felt that the universe was conspiring against me when the aromas would lure me every time I fed my kids curry and rice. Actually, rice is my weakness, even today!
Nevertheless, I ultimately succeeded in losing the 20 pounds. I realized that the key to achieving any goal is determination. I’m not just talking about getting encouraged by people or posting on social media, but the willpower from deep down inside. If you are not determined enough from within, it will be extremely difficult to achieve anything. But, if you do have the determination to lose those pounds, then here are some tips to help you, from my very own experience:
This point is very important because we are mostly at home. Follow a discipline, at home, with regards to your goal so that you can relax a little when you are outside with friends. For example, when you eat a healthy breakfast and a light dinner at home, you can always enjoy a few extra carbs during a lunch rendezvous with your besties. Not every day though! Also, snacking at intervals should be watched. While you are consuming a little of the sweet or fried stuff every single day, it will eventually accumulate in the worst parts of your figure. Till date, I make sure that I eat healthy, as much as possible, at home, despite the yummy rice and curries prepared for the kids and husband.
Just because you had to have a heavy meal at a friend’s party, it does not mean that you have to continue to cheat. Follow point number 1 and continue eating healthy. Putting on 100 grams with one cheat meal is always better than accumulating 5kgs with non-stop cheat meals, right?
When you have decided on a goal, prepare yourself for it. You will know exactly what you want, how you want it and when you want it. It is impractical to put someone else under stress just because you want to lose weight. For example, depending on your spouse, and making excuses because they haven’t prepared the food you want, isn’t going to help you in any way. Instead, it will only make things sour between you two and eventually your interest, of reaching your goal, will diminish. Therefore, choose a method that you can handle by yourself.
If you keep nodding your head while people serve you their daily dishes which include loads of carbohydrates, learn to say no or take a small amounts merely for tasting. Resist temptation.
You have a goal, you want to achieve it. You choose your method and work towards it. Ignore the unwanted, especially negative, free advice and suggestions that people will give you once you tell them about your goal.
Not all eateries prepare food in a healthy way. Try and reduce visiting restaurants that offer cuisines dominated by carbohydrates. Instead, visit those diners that offer more of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in their low carbohydrate meals like sizzlers, steaks, salad bars, etc.
The above pointers can be followed to reach any goal if tweaked as per the desired end result. I cannot tell you what diet (goal) will suit your body (life) because I would have to be a dietician (tarot card reader perhaps) for that. But, I can tell you that, only because of my own determination, was I able to achieve my goal thrice, after two babies and a couple of long holidays.
Please note that there is no start button and stop button for eating healthy. You need to make it a part of your lifestyle. This will also help you stay healthy and avoid plenty of illnesses that are associated with obesity and unhealthy food habits. Furthermore, my body got toned only with regular belly dancing (workout) AFTER I lost my excess weight. So, you cannot expect an hour glass figure only with healthy eating. That would need more work.
By the way, I give belly dance classes online, in case you’re interested. ([email protected]).
Disclaimer: I’m not forcing all of you to lose weight and become skinny because that is not what life is all about. But, like me, if you are uncomfortable in your flabby body, you can follow my tips and reduce those inches with ease.
Pictures courtesy: HavardHealth & Healthline
Have you tried losing weight in vain? What did you finally do and how did you succeed?
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31 Comments
ah yes! these are good tips! my cheat meal ends up becoming a cheat day – and it takes a while for me to get back onto the right path.
definitely being prepared (or the lack thereof) is my biggest gap .
That’s a helpful post Cindy to keep ourself motivated to work towards our body and wellness. And sticking to schedule is the key in the weight loss journey or getting fit journey as we all call it.
I am taking inspiration from you. I also want to lose some kilos. Your tips are so useful. I will also cut down my extra carbohydrates and sugar intake.
I agree determination is the key. Once you make a goal, stick to it. And as you said even if you cheat once don’t continue cheating. Great tips for staying on course your fitness journey
It’s not easy at all to loose those pounds. We all start with determination and loose Interest in the middle. This post is giving proper approach in achieving the healthy weight.
So rightly said, if you have a determination nothing is impossible. I really like the way you have inspired all to choose wisely as at the end it is our life and we know what’s best for it.
You know this is do motivating now. Everyday I think to start doing exercise but the lazy soul in me always pull me back . Now I got few ideas to start my day .
I like your pointers and yes determination to do or achieve anything is the key to achieving something. Something like weight loss is n everyone’s mind but keeping the determination strong and following the right path is crucial.
I am currently trying very hard to lose a few pounds and I can totally resonate with your advice!! I am usually good at maintaining will power in the beginning, I slip up when it comes to making it a lifelong habit. Here’s hoping, this time is the one
All the best Noor!
oh seriously I have reduced the number of visits to restaurants and it has indeed made a big difference to me weight and pocket too. Also I have reduced my portion size for each meal/
You nailed it- it’s all about iron willpower and determination. My daughter does just that and loses all the extra pounds.Kudos to you and more power to you.
These are some practical advice and I am sure inculcating these will get us a result. I have watched your belly dancing video and absolutely loved it 🙂
Hey thanks! And All the best!
When I was on my health transformation journey, saying NO was the hardest thing to do. People treat you like an outsider or feel very offended when you refuse to participate in their food binge. They mocked me and taunted me often. But when I lost 25 kgs and started acing at sports, they all started praising me. Lol…thats how life is, I guess…and that is how people are. Thanks for writing this post. Loved it!
Awesome and hats off to your achievement Mayura!
Determination is definitely the key and free advice is best avoided. Following all your tips is going to help a lot and boosts confidence too.
Truly said , we have to stop cheating and start focusing on health . This lockdown has already taken troll on exercise regim, need to pull back soon.
Belly dancing seems so much fun, Cindy! Someday I will come to you to learn this dance form. Hopefully in the coming year. 🙂 #MyFriendAlexa #TinaReads
Anytime!!!
These are some very good pointers. One cannot lose weight unless the temptation to cheat can be won over. Its easy to go on once we’re on the right path.
True, determination is the key. It helps you to stay focussed on the goal. I am glad that you achieved your target weight despite initial challenges. Pushing through the obstacles and resisting temptation and all the while staying focused on the goal can help you achieve anything! Thanks for the nudge, Cindy!
These are areally great tips, I am planning daily to start but now got great pointers on how to start and lose a little more pounds!!
It aint easy at all. I am healthy sized but cutting down on carbs is a massive project. Our indian food culture is tuned to feeding more and more of carbs. Good post.
Determination to do something, be it a change of mindset or losing a few kilos keeps one pushing. Once you figure out what works the best for you, practicing it religiously definitely leads us to a goal.
Great post!! I always start yoga and exercises to loose weight but I am not desciplined and that’s why I never get the desired results. Determination is the key, I completely agree with you.
Absolutely right! For a little more than a month, I have also been going low on carbs and sugar and very happy to have lost a few kilos!
You know what, I can be disciplined with exercising but when it comes to diet I always go wrong. Dedication is the key I completely agree. Eating right and exercising right can do wonders. Thanks for these great tips.
Determination is the key to any kind of change. As change is never comfortable and when it comes to weight then yes, we need to have a strong will power and determine as the road might not be easy. The progress might be slow but not giving up, maintaining a balanced lifestyle and eating habits can serve in long run.
Great post Cindy and you had shared really valuable tips. I agree first we need to make a strong mind set about following the right path of healthy eating and regular exercise and then need to follow that with continueos motivation. It is all about maintaining a regularity in your everyday schedule.
True! You will surely know from experience!