4 Ways to Make Weight Loss Fun

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When you set out to lose weight, you may view it as a worthwhile and rewarding endeavor, but let’s be honest: You probably don’t think of it as fun. Sure, the results are fun—losing weight, fitting into smaller clothes, being able to try new things. But the road to those results…let’s just say that most people don’t find it all that enjoyable. Where’s the fun in limiting or eliminating the foods you love, squeezing exercise into an already jam-packed schedule and having to let go of unhealthy habits that are both familiar and comforting?
It’s time to re-think weight loss. You can have fun on the journey—not just when you reach your destination. Where do you start? Try these four steps:

Step One: Set Meaningful, Realistic Goals.
Start by knowing exactly what you want from the experience. Often people start a weight-loss program with what I call a surface goal. They want to look good for a wedding, reunion, speech or special event. While the notion is fine, it typically doesn’t translate into long-term success. Plus, it sets up unrealistic timing expectations and creates unnecessary pressure that takes away from the experience.
Have a more global goal, like being healthier or feeling better about yourself. When you’re realistic about your goals and expectations, you’ll be more likely to stay motivated to stick with it. There’s also a lot less pressure when you take this approach.
Step Two: Put the Fun Back in Fitness.
So many people choose an exercise or activity simply because it burns the most calories or strengthens muscles in the shortest amount of time. I say: Forget the results! Instead, choose an activity you find pleasurable. I’m sure you have at least one activity you enjoy. Find yours and make it the backbone of your exercise plan. If you love being active outside, design your program around hiking, biking or jogging. If you like being in a group, organize one and join a dance class like Jazzercise or Zumba or take a Spin class together.
The bottom line: If you don’t enjoy it, chances are you won’t do it. Drop exercises you don’t enjoy (even if they get results).
Step Three: Fall in Love with Food.
There are so many great options when it comes to healthy eating these days. Identify good-for-you foods that also taste good. Need some inspiration? Take a healthy cooking class, organize a cooking club (round up a group of friends with similar goals and meet for meals once a week), browse food websites and cookbooks. Healthy eating can and should be enjoyable.
Step Four: Focus on the Big Picture.
When you know a sacrifice or task improves your life, you’re more likely to enjoy it. Never lose focus on this. Remind yourself daily that your hard work—fun or not—leads to something meaningful.

Helpful Suggestion

Helpful Suggestion 1: Traditional Cardio Workouts

There are so many cardio workouts that I could literally write a book on cardio workouts (if not an entire series).  For now though, I'll briefly list a few you can do indoors and outside. 

Indoors:

• Stairmaster
• treadmill
• swimming
• rowing machine
• elliptical
• stationary bike
• an exercise class like spinning or stepping 

Classes are especially motivating -- you'll be sweating with a room full of people so slacking off is next to impossible.  Finally, if you want to go the cheap route, you can find a plethora of free exercise videos online.

Outside:

• jogging
• biking
• hiking (especially effective with a pack for added weight)
• rollerblading
• swimming
• jump rope

The best part about exercising outdoors is that you can try something different every time, keeping things fresh and fun.  For instance, next time go jogging with your dog, or try swimming at the beach. 

It doesn't really matter what kind of workout you choose.  You can even do different types of workouts on different days.  The important thing is that you commit to working out regularly and then DO IT.  Of working out occasionally is better than nothing, but if you really want to lose weight, try to do some kind of cardio at least 3 times per week.

Helpful Suggestion 2: Sports Cardio Workouts

Bored with jogging?  Workouts don't need to be work!  Just about anything that increases your heart rate significantly can be considered cardio exercise.  There are tons of sports you can play that are just as effective at dropping pounds.  Although any kind of sport will work, team sports are recommended for two reasons: 

• They are a great way to meet new people.
• You're more likely to play on a regular basis, because you know the rest of the team is counting on you. 

There are plenty of adult leagues you can join at your local park district, community center, or health club. 

The most popular team sports for women that also provide excellent cardio workouts are: 

• soccer
• basketball
• ultimate frisbee
• field hockey

Of course team sports take a lot more organization.  If you want to get a sports cardio workout with a partner, you can play:

• tennis
• badminton
• ski or snowboard
• frisbee

Helpful Suggestion 3: Eat in Moderation

While you don't need to go all out with a diet, consuming certain foods and drinks in moderation will be a huge help in losing weight. 

First, there's portion control.  In Pre-1960's America, eating "healthy" was virtually unheard of.  Yet, very few Americans were overweight back then.  The reason?  The portions back then were half the size (or less) than the average servings we eat today.  As a general rule of thumb, one serving is about the size of your fist.  If what you're eating is healthy, like a fruit, vegetable, or lean meat, have a few portions if you want.  If it's anything else, limit yourself to one portion.  Soft drinks, sugary fruit juices, and beer are also full of unneeded calories.  If you must drink these, limit yourself to one, small glass. 

The more you limit your consumption of the really bad stuff, the better (ie, pastries and rolls, cookies, candy, soft drinks, and fried foods).  In addition to taking smaller portions, try to limit yourself to eating these foods only a couple days a week. 

If you can't bear to eat both smaller portions AND limit the junk food to a couple days a week, then so be it.  At the very least, follow one of these guidelines.  Just remember, the less saturated fat, calories, and cholesterol you eat, the faster the pounds will fly -- especially in combination with regular cardio exercise!