Starting a weight loss journey can be daunting!
I know because I’ve worked with hundreds of women who have been there and felt unsure about where to start. Because I’ve worked with so many women in this position, I’m here to share some first steps when figuring out where to start on your weight loss journey!
Busy gals typically tend to skip right over these when getting started, but a lot of these are the first things that should be considered if you’re wanting to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way.
So let’s get down to it!
First, resist the urge to start any kind of restrictive diet.
I know what you’re thinking, here goes Laura about to rant on again about how restrictive diets are the worst. But I’ll spare you the rant today. I mean it though!
I know it’s easy to fall into the trap that you need to cut out certain foods to lose weight. Or you see the latest TikTok influencer raving about the detox they just started, but diets tend to backfire in more ways than one. Do you want sustainable weight loss? Then don’t diet!!
INSTEAD, focus on ways you can actually get full and satisfied from meals and snacks. This is where one of my favorite rules comes in handy. What can you ADD to your nutrition routine, instead of what needs to be eliminated. This is a much less daunting mindset to adopt because telling ourselves we can’t have something typically makes us want it that much more!
So when you look at your plate, I want you to think about these questions. Especially early in the morning at breakfast.
- Do you have a protein source?
- Do you have a high fiber carb source?
- Do you have sources of color at your meal?
If you’re feeling the urge to snack ALL THE TIME, it’s typically because you’re not getting truly full and satisfied from your meals!
Next, start to build awareness around what you’re eating AND your habits.
Think sleep, stress management, digestion, etc. These types of habits have a much larger impact on our overall health and weight loss than you’d think. After all, we can’t expect to feel our best if we aren’t treating our bodies the best…
So it’s extra important to not overlook this step! Check in with yourself throughout the day, every day and know that everything in the body is connected. What are your habits and body telling you?
Lastly, look for ways you can move more during the day.
I’m not talking adding more intense workouts in each day or even each week. In fact, that’s something I would rather you NOT do. What I’m talking about are ways to stand more. Ways to stretch more. Ways to get more steps in and walk more throughout your day. A lot of busy gals spend a majority of their work day sitting at a desk and staring at a computer. Be mindful about taking breaks from your desk to get a short walk in, or even to just stand and stretch for a couple of minutes. Plus you’ll feel GOOD getting the movement in!
You may read through these tips and think to yourself, “these are pretty simple and basic”. And you’re absolutely right! But these are some of the simplest steps I see busy ladies completely skip over when getting started. And believe me when I say, these are not steps you want to overlook on your weight loss journey!
Are you struggling with where to start on your weight loss journey?
In the Busy Gal Nutrition coaching program, we help busy women get started by focusing on simple habits like these, meeting you where you are, and helping you become your own nutrition pro. Are you needing help and accountability on your journey??? Head to this page to learn more about our one-on-one nutrition coaching program and book a strategy call with us!
