How to Successfully Start a Weight Loss Journey

1. Get serious.

Okay, of course you’re serious. Like, you reeeeeeally want this. But what I mean is that you need to get serious with a GOAL. You need to get serious with a VISION. You need to know exactly what it is that lies on the other side of every single temptation you’ll face in this process so that you’ll be strong enough to push through it.

Your vision is the driving force to plow through the inevitable obstacles.

And I’m not just talking about the number you want to see on your scale. Though that is a small part of this, you need to dig so much deeper.

You need to know how life will be different. How will you feel on the other side of all of this? What will it feel like to get dressed in the morning? Or to go to social events? How will your relationships be impacted? How will this improve your parenting or your marriage?

When you reach your health and weight loss goals, what other non-scale victories will you have achieved? Will you be able to get off any meds? Sleep better? Have no more back or knee pain? What does this really look like for you?

What kind of domino effect could you start with this transformation and how would that impact the people you love?

Do you see what we are doing here? It’s so much bigger than a number that declares a certain weight. The more details you can come up with and the more specifically you can envision this version of life, the more success you will have in your fight to get there.

So get serious. And WRITE IT DOWN. What does your life look like and feel like on the winning side of this weight loss journey?

2. Get a plan.

Failing to plan is planning to fail. You’ve probably heard me say that about a thousand times, but there is nothing more true when it comes to our health and fitness pursuits.

A gym membership with no plan of action will disappoint you. Waiting until 5:00pm to figure out what’s for dinner will frustrate you. Picking and choosing food and exercise on the fly (which is typically based on whatever we feel like), WILL. NOT. WORK.

Unless you’re a professional in this field (which, I’m assuming you’re not if you’re reading this), then you need to think twice about creating your own exercise and nutrition plan. Think about it this way. I love to hike and I’ve been doing it for a really long time. If I were going to hike Mt. Everest, however, my minimal knowledge of hiking would be deadly if I relied on my own game plan for getting up that mountain. I would need expert advice and training and guidance. The same common sense applies here. Maybe it’s not a matter of life or death, but there certainly is a LOT on the line with your weight loss journey (which you fully realize if you completed step 1).

Don’t worry, I know what you’re thinking. This does not have to break the bank.

You don’t have to hire a personal trainer or join any kind of expensive monthly program or anything like that. You can, but it’s not necessary for success.

Do some research and you’ll discover a multitude of options. But BE AWARE! There are more unhealthy plans and programs out there than there are healthy ones and you do not need to be wasting any more time or money on things that won’t deliver long-term, healthy results.

So look for something created by someone educated and respected in nutrition and exercise. You need BOTH an exercise and a meal plan (you can’t ever out-exercise a poor diet). Avoid programs that promise unrealistic results. Because remember, there is no shortcut to being fit and healthy, it takes hard work and consistency (for life!). And if you’re new to clean eating, you’ll definitely want to check out this beginner guide as well.

You can learn about the plan that has changed my life, personally, by checking out this blog post.

3. Get the before stats and photos.

You want to skip this part…try to pretend you somehow missed it on the checklist…it’s so uncomfortable, isn’t it? You can’t hardly look in the mirror without the tears falling, why make yourself take a picture?

There is something that happens inside of us when we strip down to our sports bra and underwear and snap a photo. It’s so raw and so vulnerable and so hard.

The photo holds the evidence of the years of struggle we’ve endured. And it lights a fire inside of us; it ignites the internal motivation we need to jump-start this journey towards our new reality.

So do not glaze over this important step. Step on the scale and write down your starting weight. Take your measurements (biceps, chest, waist, hips, thighs). Write it all down. And then take your pictures (front, side, and back).

The hard things are what get us to the good things.

4. Get organized.

Before you can go all-in, you need to set yourself up for success. You have your plan, and now you need to get organized with it.

What equipment will you need for your workouts?

What foods do you need to shop for and prep for your first week on your meal plan? (I typically suggest meal planning one week at a time, but see what works for you. Maybe you prefer every 3-4 days or every month. Just make sure before the day begins that you have a PLAN so you’ll be eating with a purpose).

How will you track everything? Your food and workouts and weigh-ins…you should be tracking it ALL. This will help you see what’s working and what’s not. Maybe you are going to use an app, or an excel sheet, or good old-fashioned pen and paper. Determine your tracking system and get it ready for day 1.

5. Get accountable.

It’s a proven fact that people who share their goals and progress with others are more likely to succeed than those who keep their efforts to themselves.

We need people cheering for us, uplifting us, encouraging us when things are hard.

We need someone speaking truth over us and our journey when we feel like throwing in the towel.

When we get off track (because we all do), you need someone reminding you why you started this in the first place.

And please, don’t enroll the help of your bestie here who always justifies the excuses with you and let’s you fall into the temptations of the cocktails and the cookies.

Girl, in order to be successful with this you need the people who will tell you the hard things and challenge you to be better every single day.

Find your people. Share on social media if you want to (some people like to create a new Instagram profile specifically to document and get accountable with their weight loss journey.)

6. Get going!

You don’t have to wait for Monday to roll around. You don’t need the beginning of the next month or after the upcoming holiday. Just do the darn thing. TODAY.

I believe in you, but the most important question is, do YOU believe in you?

You have all the steps above to help you successfully begin your weight loss journey, and I’ll be here to pour out encouragement, inspiration, and guidance as you navigate this new lifestyle (be sure to get on the VIP list to receive motivation via email! Just fill out the form below).

And tell me in the comments when you get going so I can root for you!