I’ve had three babies in three years. I understand what it means to lose weight, get back in shape, and also struggle with not feeling like your body is coming back together. But I hate to break it to you, there is no such thing as a quick fix. As much as I wish I could snap my fingers and be back to my normal pre-pregnancy size, weight, and firmness, it just doesn’t work that way. Weight loss is a journey and takes time.
When it comes to losing weight and fitness, it takes time and commitment. All the weight loss programs and products that offer “instant results” will only lose weight in your wallet. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that can help you in your weight loss journey. You just need to remember that there is nothing more effective than sticking to it and putting in the required amount of effort. With that in mind, here are a few simple things that can help you lose weight and keep it off.
Remember this: it all starts in the kitchen. You can hit the gym seven days a week and still struggle to fit into your ideal pant size. Sure, exercise is great but food has a much more impact on how quickly you will achieve your goals.
Supplements
When a lot of people hear the word supplements, they tend to panic because it might just be “another one of those things” aka steroids. However, the vast majority of nutritional supplements are simply designed to help you get the nutrition that you need. I’m a busy mom to three small children. I supplement because I realize I might not get enough nutrients or eat three balanced meals daily.
There are things like vitamins that you might not be getting enough of. You can read all about this new drink that helps to provide your body with the things that it needs and help you lose weight too. These can often be incredibly important if you live somewhere where you don’t get a lot of sun and therefore miss out on vitamin D. None of these things are going to make the weight drop off you but they can help you stay healthy. In addition to increasing your energy levels, which always help with weight loss. Higher energy also means you’ll have more motivation to eat well and exercise.
The Gym and Weight Loss
Now, there is a lot to be said for the fact that you don’t necessarily need a gym membership in order to work out. That is absolutely true. If you don’t have the money to go to the gym regularly, then there are plenty of workouts that you can do at home. I workout at home because my husband’s schedule isn’t consistent to support me to go daily. Plus I have a fear of gym daycare centers! However, if you have the budget for it and the flexibility, a gym membership can be an incredibly powerful motivational tool.
Having your gym card somewhere you can always see it, means that it’s that much harder for your workout to slip your mind. Not only that but gyms have trainers who can help to motivate you to work as hard as possible. Also if you’re just starting out it might be helpful to have support from other peers in the gym.
A Support Network
It is very important who you allow to influence you. Bad company corrupts and this could mean physically or mentally, perhaps even emotionally. If you begin losing weight and incorporating healthy habits some of your family/friends might get jealous and react in a hurtful way. Sure, it’s hard to cut yourself off from family and you shouldn’t. But make sure you surround yourself with people who are there for you and support you in your journey.
You need people who will encourage, motivate you, and speak life over you. There will be days when you have no urge to eat well or work up a sweat. And that’s when you need those people to tell you that you are making the best decision for your life and investing into your future.
Also, it’s important to note that you will have a few cheat meals and sometimes you will crave something sweet or salty and that’s okay. The key is to not slip up every day and perhaps find healthier alternatives to your craving.
Remember, two feet forward. Set your mindset on what you want and go for it and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise or stop you from getting there.
