Simple Habits for a Weight Loss Mindset

Brushing your teeth, combing your hair, making a coffee first thing in the morning. What do all of the above have in common? They are habits, ones that you do without even really thinking about them. They are such a normal part of your day that you don’t second guess whether to do them or not.

So is it possible to form habits that will lead to weight loss, and that can become as effortless as all of the above? Absolutely.

Habit 1: Pack a water bottle

Wherever you go, carry a water bottle with you. Full, and ready to go. Sipping on water constantly throughout the day can help you to avoid interpreting thirst for hunger, and can also help you feel fuller with meals so that you don’t overeat.

Staying well hydrated offers the added bonus of thinking more clearly, better skin, and antiaging benefits!

Habit 2: Pack a lunch the night before

Getting into the habit of putting together a simple and healthy lunch for yourself the evening before (even if it’s just dishing up a serve of leftovers) is a great habit to form. You won’t be battling against the clock if you hit the snooze button too many times, and you can just grab it on the way out the door.

Habit 3: Fruit as a snack

Forming the habit of snacking on fruit in between meals is a fantastic and healthy choice to make. Too often we suffer from 3:30itis and end up drawn to the office vending machine or the local bakery for our sugar fix.

Bring fresh seasonal fruit along with you for those moments when you feel a little peckish in between meals, and you’ll be improving your health plus staying on track with your weight loss.

Habit 4: “I love eating healthy food”

Changing the language you use around healthy eating can do wonders for your motivation. Instead of choosing words like “I’m not allowed that, I can’t eat that, I love (insert chosen junk foods here) but I can’t have it” try this…

Swap your words around to more positive statements such as “I love healthy food, I love feeling fit and confident, I love feeling healthy, I could have that chocolate/pizza/cake but I’m choosing to have something better because being at a healthy weight is important to me.”

Habit 5: Daily exercise

Sometimes making the decision that you will be physically active every day is actually easier than saying 3 days a week, or 5 days. You don’t need to have that battle with yourself- will you or won’t you exercise today? Can you put it off until later? Is it really that bad if you miss one session, just for today?

Pick a time of day that works for you, and choose walking if you aren’t too sure where to start. Something like parking your car 15 mins from work and walking in from there is one option. A 20 minute lunch hour walk is another option. A daily stop at the gym each afternoon could work. A morning yoga session in your living room is also great and gentle enough for beginners.

How long to form a habit?

It varies between individuals, but you might find things become easier after a week, and require less and less conscious thought by the end of the month. The more time passes the more automatic this becomes, and the easier it feels until it just becomes a part of who you are!