9 Tricks to Jump-Start Weight Loss (Before You Even Start a Diet)
Updated: Jan. 04, 2018Lay the proper groundwork before you begin a new diet to ensure weight-loss success.
Jot it all down
Before you start overhauling your eating habits, record everything you drink and eat. Many apps and websites can help or you can use tried-and-true pen and paper. Note trouble spots that you’ll need to address, like that mid-afternoon snack. This whole process will jump-start weight loss by making you feel more accountable for what you eat every day. “This is the single most important thing you can do when you’re watching your calories,” says Paige Waehner, a certified personal trainer and author of The About.com Guide to Getting in Shape. “I have so many clients who think they’re eating healthy, but having to write down every bite makes you aware of those extra calories we eat without even realizing it. Just an extra handful of nuts could cost you more than 100 calories.” Need major weight-loss motivation? Try out these proven weight loss tips used by the folks on The Biggest Loser.
Blab to the world
Don’t keep your weight-loss goals a secret. Better your chances of quick weight loss (and long-term diet success) by spreading the word to friends and family about your new diet. It will help motivate you and increase your accountability. “Almost no one succeeds without support from the people around them,” says Malia Frey, MA, CPT, CHC, the Weight Loss Expert at About.com. “Asking for help is the most important part of your weight-loss program.” Just be sure to tell the right people. “Share with people who are going to encourage you, not hold you back,” says Jay Cardiello, health strategist and star of ABC’s My Diet Is Better Than Yours. You may also want to find a buddy with a similar goal. You can encourage one another when times get tough, work out together, share your progress, and swap advice. Don’t be counter-productive by comparing your weight loss with that of your friend, such as questioning why she’s losing weight faster than you.
Purge your kitchen
Review your food diary and toss any temptations lurking in your kitchen. “Put some thought into what foods might be your triggers,” says Phyl London, a Level IV Master Trainer specializing in Pilates and Group Exercise instruction who created Bodiphy®, a program that brings you through Pilates, Barre, strength, and alignment training. “Chocolate and ice cream can be in my house for days and I won’t overeat them,” says London. “For me, I can’t have tortilla chips, pretzels, or pita chips in the house. Those are the kinds of foods that I would overeat if I came home tired from a long day at work.” Then restock with healthy fare like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy foods. “Get creative when you set up your fridge,” says Frey. “Put healthy low-calorie snacks in front so you’ll see them first when you open the refrigerator door. Then put less healthy foods away in drawers and low shelves so you see them less often.” You should always keep these seven healthy foods at the front of your fridge.
Map out your meals
Proper planning could mean the difference between sticking with your diet or bailing after a couple of weeks. On Saturday afternoon, scan cookbooks, magazines, and websites to figure out what healthy foods and recipes you’ll eat for the coming week. On Sunday, grocery shop armed with a list. Then spend the rest of the weekend doing food prep, like cooking/freezing meals or chopping up vegetables. Plus, don’t miss the 50 best healthy-eating tips of all time.
Set goals that are basically fail-proof
You want specific, short- and long-term goals that are attainable. That way you’re more likely to stick with your diet. Don’t expect instant results like losing 20 pounds in a week. “I tell people it takes four weeks to feel better, six week to see some differences, and really a full eight weeks to see a lot of changes and long-term results,” says London. Goals shouldn’t just focus on weight loss, adds Waehner. “Set goals to work out a certain number of times a week so you have something tangible to check off your to-do list,” she says. “Seeing how many workouts you get in each week will motivate you to keep going.” If you feel your motivation falling by the wayside, recite these weight-loss motivation mantras to remember what you’re working toward and get back on track.
Whatever you do, don’t binge
You may try to get in that last bowl of Rocky Road while you can. But it’s not a good idea to binge on unhealthy foods right before you start a diet. It will only be counterproductive to your success.
Talk with your healthcare provider
Speak with your doctor about the best ways she thinks you can lose weight. She can advise whether any of your health conditions or medications may interfere with your ability to lose weight. She could refer you to a nutritionist to help you make healthy food choices or a trainer to help get your exercise plan on track. Find out what your doctor wishes you to know about losing weight.
Finally, sneak in exercise
“Diet will only take you so far,” says Waehner. “Eventually, you’ll reach a plateau and exercise is the best thing you can do to boost your calorie burn.” Exercise helps you build lean muscle tissue and lose more fat, which helps change your body composition, Waehner adds. “Muscle is more metabolically active than fat. The more you have, the more calories you burn all day long,” she says. “I recommend that people just get more active,” says London. She suggests to her clients that they take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to work if possible, ride their bike, play outdoors with their kids, or walk the dog. Jennifer Giamo, a nutritionist, certified personal trainer and founder of New York City-based Trainers in Transit, recommends incorporating exercise into your workday. “Walk over to a coworker instead of sending an email,” she says. Wear a fitness tracker to track your steps, aiming for 10,000 non-exercise-related walking steps a day. Here are 16 ways you can lose weight just by walking.
