Why Weight Loss Plans Fail

For all of us that have tried dieting, exercise, and other methods of fat loss, one thing is clear: it’s easy to fail.

There are quite a few things that can go wrong when trying to lose weight, and once one piece falls out of the puzzle, things tend to fall apart. When it comes to weight loss, preparing for the top reasons that we may fail is the best way to prevent failure.

Here are the top reasons most people fail at fat loss and how you can avoid making those same mistakes. Keep in mind that most of these mistakes are based on our expectations of ourselves – so keep your expectations high but don’t be too hard on yourself and always stick with it.

Related: 20 Best Weight Loss Tips

Failure to Plan

Weight loss plans are all about planning. It’s one thing to plan against failure, but better to plan for success. Success in weight loss is dependent on being prepared at all times. Prepare your workouts, meals, and even your snacks, and never take your eye off the ball.

Dreaming Too Big

One of the biggest problems many people have in developing a weight loss plan that works is grandiose thinking. We have a tendency, while planning, to imagine ourselves as superhumans that can do anything we put our minds to. Unfortunately, this is not the case and we’re often disappointed and end up ditching the entire plan when we can’t live up to our expectations. For example, instead of planning to work out an hour a day despite a 70+ hour a week work schedule, put together a plan that is a better fit for your schedule.

Not Having a Support System in Place

This also relates to overly optimistic thinking. A big mistake often made in weight loss plans is believing you can do it all on your own. A weight loss program requires a huge amount of willpower and accountability, and many people expect to do it by themselves. That’s a lot of stress to put on your shoulders and when you fail, even once, you’re more likely to just give up. But having other people behind you, whether they are losing weight with you or just supporting you, will help keep you accountable and motivated. And there is no better motivation to work out than having a workout buddy.

Why Weight Loss Plans Fail

Quitting After You Slip Up

This seems like an obvious one, but one of the biggest reasons that weight loss plans fail is that people are too hard on themselves and quit after one or two mistakes. Realize that you are human and are bound to make mistakes and always stick with your plan, no matter what obstacles you encounter! It’s not worth it to make the colossal mistake of giving up just because of a small setback.

Being Too Hard on Yourself

Being too hard on yourself will only make these issues worse. Instead of punishing yourself for every slip-up and grinding yourself down for not meeting your weighty expectations, try to take a break and reward yourself for success. If you went to the office party and ate from the veggie tray instead of the donut tray, pat yourself on the back. If you went running even after a horrible day at the office, feel good about yourself. If you slipped up, shrug it off and buckle down for the next time.

When it comes down to it, weight loss is a mental game. Keep yourself accountable and have set goals, but don’t weigh yourself down with unrealistic expectations and self-punishment. Take it one day at a time and remember that you can never fail as long as you stick with it.

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Why Weight Loss Plans Fail

Why Weight Loss Plans Fail