Planning and Organizing for Weight-Loss Success

This is a topic that is close to my heart.  I actually like to plan and organize.  I have found my weight loss journey so much easier and pleasant when I do have a plan.  First of all, the weight loss lifestyle/diet I do follow, I actually like.  No, I love it.  I love having this specific plan to follow; I like the details and the exact sense it all makes for me.  I found something that works for me; subsequently, I build all my diet planning and organization around that. 

When you feel you are in control of your life by having a plan and being organized, there is less chance for slip-ups.  Emotionally, when you're organized you feel better about the diet, you have less stress, it helps with progress and your motivation to keep going. 

Leaving things to chance or trying to diet by the seat of your pants is not optimal.  Usually, this does not work.  At the same time, and behaviorally speaking, planning can become a natural way of life on the diet, almost habit forming if practiced on a consistent basis.

From grocery shopping, eating at home, eating at work, eating at friends & family to going out to a restaurant, I plan everything out ahead of time. This is the key. I have come to realize, if I have everything all set in my mind, there is almost zero chance for mistakes.  When grocery shopping I have a list.  Eating at home is not a problem since I'm always well prepared.  Planning daily/weekly menus would be good; yet, I'll be honest, I never do that.  Do that if you feel the need to do so.  Work: I aways bring the proper lunch & snacks.  Eating at friends & family:  I have no problem in asking what will be served.  I let people know I'm on a diet and everyone, really, is helpful.  At the same time, I have no problem in bringing my own food.  At restaurants, I ask if things can be substituted.  I cannot remember a time when I was not accommodated.

I plan exercise into my daily schedule. 

I have everything organized, all the things I need when I travel.  I leave nothing to chance.

I used to fill out a food log to see where I was doing well, but also where I may have been making mistakes.  I highly recommend this activity.  Keeps you on track.  I have the plan I am on so burned in my head, I don't need to do that anymore.  It's just second nature now.

The planning and organization of a diet for weight loss success is critical.  I cannot imagine not being focused. You will notice the difference if you make planning a priority.  The more you make planning a habit, the easier it is to reach your goals.