Make 2012 your year to shine!

Lose the fat and keep it off once and for all with the Top 10 Weight Loss Strategies For Women.

Weight loss and total body transformations do not happen over night.  Don’t let the ads fool you.  There is a lot of focus and attention to detail that’s involved and many plateaus to overcome.  It’s those that understand this and stay focused on their goals that find themselves healthier, stronger, thinner, and younger each year.

1.  Food First!

Current research shows combining exercise with sound nutrition will get you 5 times the fat loss than exercise alone!

2.  Find Your Deep “Why.”

Motivation comes from your biggest reason “why.”  Grab a journal and begin finding reasons why you must lose weight.  Keep asking why until there is no other answer.  Read The Only Motivation You’ll Ever Need for more guidelines &  inspiration.

3.  Find Your Deep “If.”

If you don’t reach your goals, what is at stake?  Just as important as finding your reason why you must lose weight, is knowing what it will cost you if you don’t.  I don’t know about you but the thought of staying the same without change year after year is frightening.  What would it cost you if you don’t lose weight?

4.  Do What Works.

Science shows us with proof that strength training (using weights for resistance) helps build and maintain lean muscle.  If all you have ever done is cardio or the same exercise routine over the years and you are still trying to lose weight, stop.  Do what is proven to work.  Strength training with progressive resistance at least 2 times per week for women will boost your metabolism and burn body fat.

5.  The Road to Success Begins with…

One step.  Make small changes each day.  This is VERY important as we head in to the New Year.  All or nothing does not work!  I have tried it.  Everyone I know has tried it.  It does not work.  Healthy habits stacked on top of each other in a consistent fashion will get you results long term.

6.  Track Actions First, Results Later

Many women make the mistake of focusing on the number on the scale, body fat calculator, or other means of measurement. While having a way to measure success is important, try consistency of actions first. These actions build on each other.  When you pay attention to your daily habits, you will notice which habits serve you positively by giving you more energy and a positive outlook and which habits are negative making you feel sluggish, jittery, or low on energy.

7.  Get a Coach

If every year you attempt to lose weight on your own only to fall off the wagon when you hit a plateau or get bored with your routine or diet, think about getting yourself a weight loss coach.  A coach will be your partner, supporter, cheerleader, and guide by your side.  A coach is for those that are ready to begin, have found there deep “why” and “if.”  My 2012 Weight Loss Coaching Special may be a good place for you to start.

8.  Try Small Group Personal Training

Small group personal training is a new fitness trend that allows a group of friends or partners to work with a personal trainer at a time and cost that’s convenient for everyone.  Your trainer can give individual attention when needed and provide a challenging workout geared toward your goals instead of going to a generic exercise class.  You may even request weight loss guidelines and accountability within your group and with your trainer.

9.  Let Friends Support You

Popular weight loss TV shows, fitness magazines, and scientific research all prove that losing weight is a journey that is ten times more successful with outside support.

10.  Milestones & Rewards

Create a Milestone & Rewards List in your journal to celebrate your successes.  For example, after you have reached your set mile stones (ie:  no processed food for 30 days, ate vegetables at each meal for 1 week, limited caffeine to 1 cup per day, etc.) choose a healthy reward such as a new piece of clothing, a facial, or dinner out.  You’ll be more likely to stick to your goals.

I hope you find this list a refreshing change from the same weight loss strategies you have followed in the past year after year only to find yourself back on a diet come New Year’s Day.  But just like in years past, this year can be your best yet!

Strength & Love,

I welcome your questions and comments.  If you need some help losing weight, I am here for you.  All you need to do is ask.  As always please share this post with others by clicking the Share buttons below.

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1. The Savvy Woman’s Guide To Weight Loss
2. Holiday Weight Loss Survival
3. 3 Reasons Why Your Old Weight Loss Tricks Don’t Work Anymore
4. The Best Weight Loss Tips of 2011
5. What To Eat Before Exercise