Blog
5 Shortcuts to Success
Every day, I hear the following question from someone just beginning the Rapid Weight Loss Program: “This is too hard. How do I keep going?” Let me first say this – making a drastic lifestyle change to improve your health and lose weight can be hard at first, but the good news is that it will get easier. Soon these new, healthy habits will replace the old, unhealthy ones, and you will be practically on autopilot, racing toward your goal!
As you are starting out, here are 5 shortcuts to success to keep you going strong:
1. Plan, prepare, do
Being prepared is essential to the Rapid Weight Loss Program. It is never more difficult to stay on program than when you are away from home, starving, and feel like there is nothing to eat. The best thing you can do is plan your meals and snacks for the week, devote time to shopping and prepping everything in advance, and stick to the plan! While this may take some additional time in advance, it will save you loads of time and energy throughout the week.
2. Find a buddy
This journey is not easy at times, and having encouragement and accountability from a friend makes a world of difference. Find someone who is motivated to do the program with you, and share victories (and setbacks), recipes, Scripture, and encourage one another along in the journey!
3. Review your vision book
Don’t forget: the key to your long-term success on the Rapid Weight Loss Program is having a vision bigger than yourself. Take time each day to remind yourself why you are doing this, and remember why your big picture is worth more than temporarily saying no to that slice of cake or bag of potato chips. A time will come when you can enjoy these things (in moderation, of course), but you will be a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself when you do if you stay the course!
4. Drink plenty of water
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of drinking plenty of water. You should be consuming at least half of your body weight in ounces each day. Drinking water will help you recognize the difference between hunger and thirst, cleanse your body of toxins, and boost your body’s ability to burn fat. Don’t neglect it!
5. Keep a food journal
Keeping a food journal is as easy as writing down what you’re eating, and how it makes you feel. What foods cause you to stall? What foods seem to melt the pounds off? Do some foods help you stay satiated longer? You will experience greater long-term success with the program when you understand your body and recognize the foods and habits that keep you lean and energized. The Success Food Journal available at Shape Up Church University is a great tool to get you started!
Join the conversation on Facebook: what shortcuts have you implemented on the road to success?