Am I doing this right?

kc116206

Hi all! Just wanted to drop in for some support! I am almost two weeks into starting this new diet and exercise program and I am trying to stay motivated to change my lifestyle for good. Does it get easier? I try to stay within my 1200 calorie limit and work out five days a week but I still find myself wondering if I am doing enough. What are some good tips to get through the weekend without cheating? Any tips would be great! :-)

Negative_X

It does get easier... but it'll always be something you have to contend with motivation wise to keep going.

Statistically, most people drop any new diet/workout regimen within the first month. Many times because they don't see those instant results. So keep at it... next thing you know, 90 days will have gone by and you'll look and feel quite a bit better, then want to take it further.

Just keep reminding yourself why you're doing this in the first place. Make your background wallpaper on your computer screen, something motivational... post heavier pictures of yourself up on the fridge, create a motivational board w/ clippings of what you would like to look like in your workout room.

Surround yourself with visual representations of why you're doing this. And remember, you need to view this as a lifestyle change... not a temporary lose weight quick, then go back to your old habits. Post on health and fitness forums regularly helps as well. Surround yourself with like minded people, even if it's only virtually.

As for tips to get through the weekend. What works for me, is to still do a little bit of light cardio on the weekend. Be it 20 minutes on a elliptical/treadmill or a hour walk. For me personally, when I workout, it keeps me motivated to continue to eat healthy as well. Proper nutrition and physical activity go very much hand in hand with keeping both in check.

Also, make sure you're drinking plenty of water. That can help with the hunger cravings. Dehydration can actually be mistaken for hunger.

fiddletime

I had to eliminate alcohol over the weekends to stay on track for the first few months. Now I'm learning to drink less, and less frequently. I also pre-log my eating, especially Sat and Sun. I also guess what will be served at a party and pre-log it. Then I log as I go. That really helps me not to overeat. If I do go over, I try to at least keep it in maintenance. Since I'm at 1200 that might be 1450.