Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Journey
- Jamie Lee
- Sep 7, 2023
- 3 min read
As September rolls in, and summer leaves us, the kids are back to school, the weekend cookouts are in the books and it will not be long before the holidays are upon us. September is also a time when I like to refocus on my health and fitness goals. For many, including myself, summer was a "let go and go with the flow" type of vibe. There was lots of ice cream and fruity drinks - way more sugar than I normally intake, but September is like New Year's for me.
My birthday is at the very beginning of October. As I may have mentioned a few thousand times before, I follow Tony Robbins and his method of goal setting. While most people set their goals or "resolutions" at the end of December, I like to do mine around my birthday - I celebrate my birthday as New Year and do my goal setting prior to that, as a gift to myself. I have done this for decades. Having been overweight most of my life, weight loss tends to be a recurring goal on my list. If you're anything like me, I suspect it may be one of yours, as well.
Whether you have a birthday around this time or not, September is the perfect month to get started on your weight loss journey, rather than waiting until after the holidays to give it another try. My theory behind this is that September always feels like a fresh start - just like January. Whether you are in school, have kids in school or not, I think the change in seasons just makes it different.
When you refocus on your weight loss goals in September, you give yourself a jumpstart. There's a little more than two months before Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season. In those two months, with focus, you could lose 10-20 pounds (depending on your body type and how much you need to lose). If you're like me, you probably put on 10 pounds over the summer. This is a chance to shed those pounds BEFORE adding the holiday pounds.
If September just afforded me the opportunity to lose the weight I gained over the summer - it would be well worth it. However, there is an added benefit to this timing as well. Starting a weight loss journey in September offers several advantages over waiting until after the holidays to begin - here are just a few:
Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain: By starting in September, you can establish healthier habits before the holiday season begins. This proactive approach can help you prevent or minimize the weight gain that often occurs during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's celebrations.
Building Healthy Habits: Starting early allows you to build and reinforce healthier eating and exercise habits gradually. These habits can become more ingrained and sustainable by the time the holidays arrive, making it easier to resist temptations.
Less Pressure: Waiting until the New Year to start a weight loss journey can create added pressure due to the common expectation of New Year's resolutions. By beginning in September, you can approach your goals with a more relaxed mindset and a focus on long-term health.
Steady Progress: Starting early provides a longer runway for your weight loss journey. This allows you to lose weight at a steady, sustainable pace, which is generally healthier and more effective than crash dieting or extreme measures often seen as New Year's resolutions.
Increased Energy and Confidence: As you make progress toward your weight loss goals in the months leading up to the holidays, you may experience increased energy levels, improved mood, and enhanced self-confidence. This positivity can help you better enjoy holiday gatherings and maintain your momentum.
Healthier Choices During Holidays: When you've already established a commitment to your health and well-being, you're more likely to make conscious choices during holiday celebrations. You can still enjoy the festivities but with a greater awareness of your goals.
Less Overindulgence: Waiting until after the holidays to start a weight loss journey might lead to overindulgence during the festive season, making it harder to get back on track afterward. Starting in September can help you avoid this cycle.
Improved Long-Term Success: By starting your journey earlier, you're more likely to create lasting, sustainable changes in your lifestyle. This can lead to better long-term success in maintaining your desired weight and overall health.
Starting your weight loss journey in September allows you to set a solid foundation, make gradual changes, and navigate the holiday season more successfully. It can ultimately lead to a healthier and happier you in the long run. ***Please make sure you check with your doctor before embarking an any diet or exercise plan to make sure what you are doing will work for you.
Tomorrow, I'll be back with some additional tips...
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