A study this week has revealed that more than two thirds of Britain will be dieting this year- that’s an shocking 34 million people! The survey showed that the average Brit is more than serious about their diet and hopes to lose a stone with one in ten setting their goals as high as losing more than 30lbs!
77% of women set their new year’s resolution to reinvent themselves and lose weight this year, while 31% of the country are actually already on a life changing diet! Deceivingly enough, don’t think it’s just us women that want to lose weight- 58% of men have surprisingly committed to a diet this year- who ever said that British men are the least vain in the world?
The studies go on to suggest that your weight loss motivation may well depend on where you live. With Northern Island looking to lose the most weight, closely followed by the North West, East and Yorkshire, the South lags behind, with the capital shamefully being announced as the laziest place in the country! But what is the key to being truly motivated to get fit and healthy?
With 12 per cent of us giving up less than two weeks into a new diet and 14 percent not exactly being entirely honest about our eating habits in attempts to make our dieting seem more successful, the survey highlights the well known (and painful) fact that dieting isn’t exactly easy even at the best of times! We also can be conniving and crafty as 3% of us admit to actually sabotaging a friend’s diet due to jealousy of their weight success!
“A healthy weight is the best way to achieve a permanent lifestyle improvement, but it is important not to set unsustainable targets” Clive Marsden, Managing Director at Rezest said, “we urge dieters to set realistic goals and focus on transforming their lifestyle, paving the way for a happy and healthy 2011.”
Here at Company we totally agree that it’s important to not strain yourself when losing weight and that while thinspiration works as a good motivator, you need to set the correct goals that are right for your body and you. The first step to getting motivated is working out why exactly you want to lose weight in the first place- is it to be healthy? Is it for a big event coming up or is it purely for yourself? The next step is working out some short and long term goals- the long term goal being the final weight you want to be and your short term goals work as targets which will feel realistic and easier to reach. Setting these targets works in an ideal way as it allows you to measure your progress and increases your motivation levels.
Try and find yourself a weight loss partner if possible and enter a sporting event such as a fun run or bike race- a great way to meet new people and exercise whilst having fun (who said it had to be a boring process?) Many people also find that keeping a weight loss journal helps them a lot- if you’re having a bad day you can look back on all the progress you have made and remain motivated!
Attempt to do something every day, be it a few press ups in the morning or an hour long successful session at the gym. Try different techniques and once you’ve found the right one that works, you’ll be well on your way to a happier and healthier you!
