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5 useful strategies for weight loss
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The universal recipe for fighting extra pounds is known to everyone - eat less, exercise more. However, this does not always give the long-awaited result. The key to success lies in bridging the gap between the results you want to achieve and what you are doing now. In this case, strategies designed to help you achieve what you want can serve you well.
So, here are 5 strategies you can use to become healthier, more beautiful, slimmer, and make it your lifestyle.
Strategy #1
Set specific goals
When we set a goal to lose weight, we immediately doom our entire plan to failure. There is a big difference in motivation. For example, if we set a specific figure for ourselves - to lose 10 kilograms, then our brain perceives this as a signal for action and throws all the body's forces into the fight against excess weight. The same can be said about nutrition. Learn to set yourself not abstract tasks, such as "I will not eat flour and will eat more fruit", but specifically "I want to eat fruit 3 times a day", specifying even the portions that will be eaten. This way, your body gets more motivation, which means there will be more chances for success.
Strategy #2
Create a “holiday” and “weekend” menu plan
On holidays or weekends, when we allow ourselves to relax a little, all efforts to get rid of extra pounds can be crossed out at once. Sitting at a table full of various dishes, the temptation can be so strong that we, without noticing it, eat to the brim, and then our conscience begins to torment us. To avoid such extremes, try to agree with yourself in advance on those dishes that will not cause significant harm to your weight loss plan. For example, if you are going to visit, allow yourself to try some dishes and cake (if you are already yearning for sweets). According to scientists, this method works very well and increases the chances of success by 3 times.
Strategy #3
Celebrate your successes
Be sure to celebrate your successes, if any. This is very important for further maintenance of the correct diet and exercise regime. If you have decided to lose 10 kilograms and 2 of them are already behind you, then focus on the remaining eight. If you overpraise yourself ahead of time, the whole process can go down the drain. The feeling of accomplishment can drown out all the arguments of reason and ruin everything.
Strategy #4
Be realistic and optimistic at the same time
Believe in yourself and your strength, but do not forget that it is much easier to gain weight than to lose it later. Know that the struggle will not be easy and will require time, strength and willpower. However, if you do not be lazy and do everything correctly, then success is guaranteed.
Strategy #5
Strengthen your will
The ability to control your desires is very similar to muscles - it also needs to be trained, strengthened and built up. For example, if you are used to sitting hunched over at the table, force yourself to straighten up, thus controlling your actions.
These are small steps towards self-control that will play into your hands, allowing you to keep on a short leash all the desires that are harmful to your figure, such as overeating, the desire to eat tasty but unhealthy food, as well as laziness and smoking.