10 Tips For Getting To Your Ideal Body Weight

Ideal body weight. It’s that elusive goal you’ve probably been working on and off for years now to reach, but that you were never quite able to accomplish. We’re all familiar with our ideal body weight, but knowing how much we’re supposed to weigh and actually getting to that weight are two totally different things. It can be tough to lose those last few pounds and get down to your ideal body weight, but there are a few tricks you can try that will make the process easier!

1. Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate

You should be drinking at least half a gallon of water per day, and if you are exercising regularly this amount only increases. Keeping your body happy is very important… you only get one. Drinking water not only helps make you feel full and beat cravings, but is beneficial to skincare, circulation of nutrients in the body, and losing body fat. You can calculate your BMI here.

2. Keep a Food and Exercise Journal

If hiring a personal trainer isn’t a part of your budget, don’t worry. Keeping yourself accountable in the kitchen and the gym is easier than you think. Journaling is a fun and easy way to stay on track for your ideal body weight.

3. Don’t Over Do it

Losing body fat and weight is not an over-night kind of process (bummer). Binge diets designed to “lose weight quick” are not healthy, and will not leave you with permanent desired results. The best way to stay motivated is to make a realistic goal.

4. Do Thirty Minutes of Aerobic Exercise a Day

One of the best ways to lose body fat and reach your ideal body weight is through aerobic exercises or cardio. These can be tedious so I recommend bringing a nook, or download Netflix onto your phone.

·      Walking burns 300-400 cal/hour

·      Running burns 600 cal/hour

·      Swimming burns roughly 600 cal/hour

·      Rowing burns 840 cal/hour

5. Set Out Your Gym Clothes Ahead of Time

How often do you get to the gym only to realize you’ve left your socks, sports bra, sneakers, or any other necessary item at home? You leave the gym annoyed and over it, and there goes your workout for the day. The best way to beat this problem is to pack ahead of time, and maybe keep an extra pair of socks in the glove compartment just in case.

6. Make the Gym Fun

Seems impossible right… but its not! Make a gym buddy and keep each other accountable. Cardio can be such a boring exercise, but when walking (running, biking, etc.) it is much more fun to do it with a partner who can laugh, or cry, along with you.

7. Pick Up the Pace

Going to the gym and going to the gym are two completely different things. You can spend hours a day in the gym and leave without ever feeling that fat burning sensation. Push yourself past your comfort zone, run faster, bike harder and results will come.

8. Eat 5-6 Small Meals a Day

This is beneficial for many reasons. Smaller meals are easier for your metabolism to break down, and eating more often will keep you fuller throughout the day and stop you from snacking on chocolate in the break room.

9. Pack Healthy Snacks

There is nothing quite like that three o’clock craving. Instead of heading to Starbucks for a frappe or to McDonalds for a “snack size” McFlurry, try packing yourself healthy snacks like almonds, rice cakes, celery and hummus, etc. Your body will thank you.

10. Don’t Get Discouraged

Last of all, don’t let one number rule your life. If your weight isn’t dropping like you want it to, take a look in the mirror. After going to the gym and eating healthier do you feel better about yourself? Are you more toned? If any of these answers is a yes then you are on the right track and you should be proud!

Written by: Maren Burns