Do you take before and after fitness photos? If not, no pressure–but you should consider it. I regret having deleted so many of my ‘fat’/before photos over the years–I’m left with not so many to work with. But you can do better!
Fitness Mission: Take your own before & after weight loss pictures
Take three full-body photos of yourself today–one from the front, one from the side and one from the back. File them in a secret folder if you like–you never have to show them to anyone if you don’t want to, they’re just for you.
Weight Loss Progress Photo Tips:
Show as much skin as you can stand in the photo (but keep your private bits covered, in case you later decide to publish them or share them in a progress video like I did.) This is one regret I have–I wish I’d taken a couple shots in a swimsuit or at least something that showed more of my actual body.)
Be sure you use a decent-quality camera if you can–but any camera will do if not.
Try to take the photo in a well-lit area and remember that this is supposed to be a VERY HONEST photo–so let it all hang out. Not only will it give you a better idea of your progress later, but if you’re like me, you’ll find it very motivating.
Do you find progress photos motivating in your weight-loss journey? Share your thoughts in the comments section, below!
Before you go: are you trying to lose weight or have you already succeeded? If so, I want your story! I’m seeking guest weight loss and fitness bloggers.
Ask Yourself: How are you going to keep track of your food intake and exercise?
Decide in advance how you’ll track your food and exercise. I like to use a smartphone app called Noom Weight Loss Coach. It offers me the ability to track my food and workouts, plus I have Noom Walk, which automatically tracks my steps every day and gives me goals to increase my fitness based on my weight and diet and previous activity levels. Noom gives me daily tasks to complete and is just generally a really easy-to-use and effective tool.
I have also tried and liked MyFitnessPal and the official Weight Watchers app, as well as a couple of motivational apps that just offered little tips and pokes throughout the day. I ended up removing all but Noom and Noom Walk from my phone when I recently had to free up some space.
If you have a fitness and weight loss app you prefer, please tell me about it in the comments section below—I’m always interested in finding great tools!
Are you gearing up for the challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments section, below!
Next up: Finding the support you need during the challenge
One reason many people feel tired is that they’re actually dehydrated.
Studies show that most people don’t drink enough water throughout the day.
If you ask me, that could account for a lot of the exhaustion that leads to lack of activity and overeating.
(Plus, its a proven fact that when you don’t drink enough water, your body actually retains water–it’s sort of “afraid” to let go of what it’s got for fear you won’t replenish it. So, you appear more bloated.)
Next time you’re tired, try drinking a glass of water, and try to stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain your energy levels.
“It’s generally not a good idea to use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink,” says a Mayo clinic expert. “By the time you become thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated.”
Besides just being a healthier way to go, staying hydrated can actually aid in your weight loss efforts.
A 2010 study found that “obese dieters who drank two cups of water before each meal lost 5 pounds more than a group of dieters who didn’t increase their water intake,” according to Discovery News. “A year later, the water-drinkers had also kept more of the weight off.”
So here’s your mission:
Get your eight glasses in today!
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Tips to Get It Done
1. Drink a glass of water before every cup of coffee or other beverage you drink.
2. Have one when you wake up in the morning, before anything else.
3. Have one before each meal (it’ll help you feel full faster, too!).
4. Carry a water bottle with you and sip all day long.
5. Add lemon or decaf tea to your water if you can’t drink it plain.
Do you drink eight glasses of water each day? If so, share your tips on how you get it done. If not, will you start today? Tell me in the comments section, below!
