Lifestyle Changes - Realistic Objectives, Long-term Success

Psychologists have a possible explanation for this. A major impediment is the conflict between voluntary and allegedly enforced activities. A self-imposed task feels like an obligation, in contrast to a preferred leisurely activity. In most cases, this conflict is resolved by choosing the path of least resistance. As a result, a pleasant evening in front of the television so often triumphs over the fitness studio or a walk around the block.

Often, our brain does not make decisions that will create an easier life in the the long run. A bag of chips and a chocolate bar can lead, without great effort, to the release of happiness hormones and rewards us straight away. However, it can take quite a while for sport to no longer feel like a burden, but rather a pleasure, and until the results first show themselves in the mirror. Many people find this delayed gratification hard and, sooner or later, they give up their training and again choose readily available rewards.

The key to success is to create a routine and make it fun. If sports and healthy nutrition are successfully and permanently integrated into everyday life, they become a subconscious habit that can no longer be easily stopped. It makes sense to set fixed times for regular training - either with a morning run before work or a visit to a fitness studio afterwards.

It is also advisable to lower the psychological barrier for sports activities as much as possible. Someone who already prepares their sportswear for the next morning or takes them directly to work will seldom find an excuses to cancel their training session.

Fun and happiness is critical for long-term success. If no pleasure is found in a sport, it is very unlikely someone will continue to engage in it in the long run. Hence, one should always follow their personal preferences. The type of sport isn’t always important, but rather the regularity of the exercise. Someone who reluctantly goes to the gym alone, but enjoys team sports, should always opt for the latter option. Particularly as training with others further increases motivation. It is also sensible to try different types of sports until you have found the "right one."

A lifestyle change should always be accompanied by realistic expectations. Fat deposits that have accumulated over the years will not disappear overnight. However, if a person pursues a specified goal in gradual steps, they can help prevent frustration and disappointment. Likewise, setbacks should be considered as an integral part of any process.

Sooner or later, weight loss will almost inevitably stagnate, despite diet and exercise. However, this should not be a reason to get discouraged. An established routine helps, especially in these difficult times. Also, to focus mainly on weight loss is deceptive. If one does not lose weight, despite regular exercise and healthy nutrition, it by no means implies that the body has not changed for the better.

The measurement of body composition, by means of the seca mBCA, offers further information about these changes in the body. Even if weight remains stable, it shows arising changes in the fat and muscle percentage and discloses the actual success from training and changes in diet. Particularly in critical phases, it can regain motivation and prevent the return to old behaviors.

Someone who is aware that lifestyle changes need time and that many diet and exercise schemes create unrealistic expectations, has a good chance of sustaining long-term change in their diet, as well as getting through periods of stagnation. Once you reach a certain point, the effects become increasingly visible and the new eating and fitness habits become the norm - so you’ll never want to look back at your old lifestyle.

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