I started my journey almost 4 years ago when I was trying to lose weight. It took me months because I did my research and came up with a plan to lose about 1-1.5lb per week and to this day, I am easily keeping it off. Losing weight maybe easy but keeping it off is where most of your effort will go and it is proven that those who lose weight gradually (1-2lbs/week) are more successful in keeping it off.
Here is why gradual weight loss works the best
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You are cementing healthy habits.
Habits take time to form and if you slowly restrict unhealthy foods and incorporate exercise to your lifestyle, the higher the chance you will have to sticking to it.
Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. – Mark Twain
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You give yourself time to learn about proper diet and exercise.
By slowly changing your diet and increasing exercise, you will go through a process of self-discovery and find out what works the best for you. You’ll be more aware about food, calories and the effects it has on your body since everyone is different so not one “diet” is right for everyone. You will discover the most efficient way to exercise and if you did your research, you would lift heavier weights than be a cardio queen.
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You aren’t restricting yourself.
Crash diets are restrictive and a sign of failure because although you may lose all that weight quickly but you won’t be able to maintain it. Everyone has a threshold and you won’t be able to resist your willpower forever. It’s much easier to incorporate a healthy and balanced diet than a deprivation-type diet.
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Helps maintain muscle tissue.
Muscles are precious because they increase metabolism so you want to maintain as much of it as possible and not overdo your cardio— or you will just burn all it all off especially if you’re not eating enough. That way you can sit on the couch after a long day and still be burning calories. Now THAT is the life.
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It is healthy, safe and easily maintainable.
By gradually losing weight, you won’t be starving yourself, over-training and just driving yourself towards exhaustion mentally and physically. Gradual weight loss is the best way to lose and keep off weight!
The first and the best victory is to conquer self. – Plato
