Losing weight is never easy. In fact, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. However, many of us often fall into the same old routine when trying to reach our target weight and then wonder why we couldn’t shift the pounds. So, if you’re guilty of any of the following, it’s time to face reality and make a change.

1. Making Excuses

Can you not make time for the gym because of work? Is it too cold to go for a run outside? Do you not have the right gym wear? Stop making excuses! It’s so easier to say “I can’t do this” or “I can’t do that”, but sometimes we have to do something that’s a little harder to make a real difference to our lives.

Have you not got time for the gym because of work? Pick up your bike and cycle there. Is it too cold outside? Throw on some warmer clothing or exercise indoors. Do you not have the right clothing? Go out and buy some. The minute you stop making excuses will be the minute you take one step closer to your dream body.

2. Being Lazy

Sometimes all we want to do is throw on some comfortable pants, slip onto the sofa and watch TV, but many of us seem to dedicate our lives to it. We know you’re entitled to some relaxation time, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t got time to exercise, too. Get up on your feet and start working out. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day! You can then relax in peace, knowing you’ve earned it.

3. Eating a Little of What You Shouldn’t

You’re never going to lose weight if you keep cutting corners. If you have a diet plan in place then stick to it. That square of chocolate might look tempting but it’s not worth it. Think about how good you’ll feel when you slide on a pair of your old jeans or look good in that smaller top.

4. Denying Yourself a Little of What You Fancy

While it’s important you don’t cut corners, you shouldn’t deny yourself a little treat every now and then. Save your treat until the end of the week to reward all your hard work. You can trust that chocolate bar or slice of pizza will taste extra delicious.

5. Exercise without a Healthy Diet or Vice Versa

So many people out there exercise on a daily basis yet will go home and undo all their efforts by gorging on unhealthy foods. Conversely, others with stick to a strict diet but won’t see significant results as they’ve failed to incorporate exercise into their everyday routine. Don’t do one without the other if you want to be healthy on the inside and out.

6. Caring What Others Think

Don’t listen to other people’s opinions of you. What matters most is what you think about yourself. If people don’t believe you can reach your target weight then so what? You know you can. Don’t let other people influence your weight loss – as those very same people could be the ones who steer you off your weight loss path.

7. Trying Fad Diets

Fad diets will not work. The only way to lose weight is to eat a healthy, balanced diet on top of a daily exercise routine. Any diet that asks you to starve yourself, stick to one or two selected foods or cut out essential nutrients is a fad. If you want to feel happy and confident in your skin, create an effective weight loss plan that incorporates fruits, vegetables and essential nutrients that’ll make you look and feel good.

8. Comparing Yourself to Others

Think about a time when you happiest in your body then create a diet plan to help you reach your target weight. Don’t compare yourself to photo-shopped models or people you know, as this may make you believe that you have to be slimmer than you need to be. Aim for a target weight that’s right for your frame, not someone else’s.

9. Procrastinating

Have you ever planned to go to the gym but got stuck on the phone to a friend? Maybe you were going to work out but decide to go out for a meal instead. Stop putting things off or you’ll never achieve your desired weight. Get off the phone to your friend or rearrange a meal for one day when it’s more convenient. Remember, procrastination never leads to productivity.

10. Complaining

Your negative attitude will only make life harder when working out or undertaking a diet. If you think something won’t be fun then you’ll convince yourself that it wasn’t. Approach your healthy lifestyle with a positive attitude to get the best results. If you’re really not enjoying a workout then do something different – like taking a workout class with a friend. If you’re not enjoying the foods in your diet then try different healthy products that offer more variety.

Are you guilty of the above traits? Got any fitness or diet tips to share with us? We want to hear from you.