It’s the start of a new year, and the perfect time to self-reflect on your weight loss journey. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or in the middle of it, here are a few tips on how to start the year strong.
Review the Data
We’ve stressed the importance of keeping a weight loss journal or food diary in the past, and now’s the time to review the data you’ve recorded. Did you change your eating habits? Did you have a breakthrough moment? What have you done differently this year than in previous years? You may have had a hesitant attitude in the beginning, and now you’ve gained confidence and a boosted self-esteem in recent months– that’s huge progress! Reviewing your log and diary, lets you see how far you’ve come. Use the data you’ve recorded to learn what’s been working and what’s not been working for you.
Make More Changes
After reflecting, you may find that some things worked better than others. You may have no problem eating salad greens during lunch, but may struggle with stress eating on Monday’s. Identifying problem areas allows opportunity to make changes to modify your behavior. For instance, finding healthy coping mechanisms for stress, will help you to change stress eating. Make a list of things that have been working for you, and another list of things you will change for the upcoming year.
Express Gratitude
Take this time to express gratitude for your journey – including gratitude towards your body, gratitude for the milestones you made, and the weight you’ve lost so far. Give thanks for all the positive moments you’ve been able to create through going on this unique journey, you may have tried new recipes or gotten out of your comfort zone by exercising regularly– being grateful for these moments is key to having a positive attitude and moving forward. In addition, expressing gratitude has many health benefits, including boosting your mood and getting better sleep! If you keep a gratitude journal, you may already be ahead of experiencing these effects.
Celebrate Your Wins
You’ve not just survived until the end of the year, but you’ve thrived as well! Think hard about how far you’ve come, and give yourself a moment to congratulate yourself. Rewarding yourself is integral to allowing yourself to recognize how momentous your journey truly is. You took the first step to change your life, and now you’re continuing to make huge strides to make this happen. Go out to a movie or get a new haircut, now’s the time to recognize your accomplishments. Give yourself credit – you deserve it.
Prepare For the Next Chapter
Looking ahead to this new year, what are the things you want to do and accomplish? Make a list of the big goals you’re striving for, and create a plan mapping out the smaller goals that will get you where you need to go. Setting these goals will ensure that you will be able to make these plans reality, and creating a vision board will help you to imagine what your life will be like once you reach your goals. The future shines brightly, and we can’t wait to see what happens in the next chapter of your weight loss journey.
Take Action
Are you ready for the next chapter? Take action by getting your mind in the right ‘head space’ with this Weight Loss Affirmations Worksheet. Then, take your time to visualize the new year and make your goals a reality with this Vision Board Worksheet!
Our dedicated team is here to support you as you take the first step on your journey towards a healthier and happier you. Book your consultation now to get started.
