
When a runner runs a marathon they run 1 mile 26 times. It’s the same with weight loss, take one step at a time. You see all ages and abilities running in the London marathon on TV. Some do it in 2 hours, others in 6 hours or more, but they all complete it. Everyone is different.
But non of the people you see running on TV just got up and did it. They planned it, took it one step at a time. Walking then jogging. Improving the distance over time. Building up stamina and fitness. They had a goal in mind. A date and a time to work towards and knowing what they would be doing on that day. They imagined crossing the line with their hands raised and how good they would feel. Weight loss is no different. Seeing yourself in the future is a powerful motivator. The clothes you are wearing, feeling happy and confident. The nice comments you are getting and so on. What ever you decide, a powerfully set goal to move towards.
Decide a starting point. Where are you now? What can you do now to start the journey? A small thing, a big thing, you choose, but just one thing. One thing that you can do now to take a step forward. Then repeat it and keep repeating it until it becomes the norm. Keep adding ‘one more thing’ until your patterns of behaviour are taking you towards that goal. Eating, moving, drinking, thinking. Choose to add something. Choose to stop something. Moving you ever forward. Slowly changing your life, behaviours and habits. Choosing a better way one step at a time.
It’s your journey but here are a few tips to get you going;
- Drink water
- Know when you are full and eat mindfully and slowly
- Move your backside more often. Just 5 minute bursts of mindful and purposeful movement everyday.
- Choose better food options. Not a diet, but thinking about it before you eat it (or choose not to)
- Do it all one step at a time
- Make it achievable
- Keep it real and never too far away from your normal everyday lifestyle
The info graph below illustrates points to help you focus. Look at it. Take it in. Do it. Add these little changes into your day and notice the difference.