Embarking on a weight loss journey is no small feat. Like constructing a sturdy house, it requires laying a strong foundation to ensure the journey is effective, sustainable, and ultimately successful. Here are the key strategies to set yourself up for success:
Prepare Your Home
One of the best ways to ensure you’re successful in this journey is to prepare your home and keep it up. Before you can start making healthier eating choices, it’s essential to set your environment up for success.
Purge the pantry
The hardest part about a weight loss journey is getting started. A great first step to take is to purge your pantry. Remove those unhealthy snacks, sugary cereals, and processed foods that might tempt you off course. If you have trouble regulating yourself around certain foods, don’t keep them in the house! Instead, stock your pantry with items that will help you get to your goals…not stand in the way (check out our favorite junk food alternatives here!).
Organize the Refrigerator
With the temptations gone, replenish your kitchen with health-boosting foods. Prioritize fresh produce, lean proteins like chicken or tofu, and heart-healthy fats like avocados and nuts. Investing in clear containers can be a game-changer. When you can visibly see colorful fruits, chopped veggies, or prepped meals, you’re more likely to reach for them.
Create a Sleep Sanctuary
It’s not just about what you do when you’re awake; success on this journey also hinges on the quality of your downtime. Ensure your bedroom is a haven for rest. Opt for blackout curtains, minimize electronic distractions, and consider calming scents like lavender. As many studies have highlighted, a good night’s sleep is intrinsically linked to weight loss by regulating hunger hormones and ensuring you have ample energy for the next day’s challenges.
Set up Hydration Stations
Water plays an indispensable role in any weight loss journey. It aids digestion, keeps skin glowing, and can even stave off unnecessary hunger pangs. Set up hydration stations around your home or workspace. Whether it’s a filled water bottle on your bedside table or a jug on your desk, having water within arm’s reach ensures you’ll sip throughout the day.
Share your Journey
Sharing that you’re on a weight loss journey might seem uncomfortable or embarrassing. You might have even been on a weight loss journey in the past that wasn’t successful and are worried your friends and family won’t take you seriously or support your endeavor. We’re here to remind you that the support of your friends and family will be crucial if you want this journey to be successful. We believe this time will be different for you and you should too!
Sometimes, members of your inner circle might even join you on your weight loss journey. Embarking on such a transformative path together can strengthen bonds, creating shared memories, challenges, and triumphs. The collective energy and camaraderie can amplify motivation levels and even make the process more enjoyable. Yes, you read that correctly – losing weight CAN be enjoyable!
| Help! I need a Lifeline!
When you’re in a HealthyWage Challenge, you have the ability to add what we call a “Lifeline”. A lifeline is someone you trust to support and encourage you throughout your challenge. We usually recommend a spouse, parent, sibling, friend or trainer – anyone who is going to be willing to check in on you and cheer you on in your journey (support is crucial to your success)! You can do this IRL (in real life), too! |
Make Motivation your Focus
A journey towards a healthier you isn’t just physical—it’s mental too. Creating a vision board filled with inspiring images, powerful quotes, and tangible goals serves as a daily reminder of your “why.” Position it in a place you frequent, be it the kitchen, your bedroom, or your workout space, to keep your motivation strong.
| Our favorite motivation techniques: |
Step 3 Action Items
Once you’ve completed the following items, you’ll be ready to succeed in your weight loss journey:
- Tell at least one support person
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- Find at least one friend or family member to support you or even go on the weight loss journey with you.
- Purge the pantry
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- Remove tempting, unhealthy snacks and processed foods.
- Organize the refrigerator
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- Prioritize fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Use clear containers to make healthy options easily visible.
- Keep your motivation
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- Create a vision board with images, quotes, and goals related to your weight loss journey. Place it somewhere you’ll see daily.
- Create a sleep sanctuary
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- Ensure your bedroom promotes restful sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for weight loss.
- Set up hydration stations
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- Place water bottles or cups in different areas of the house to remind yourself to drink regularly.