We’ve all had a lot to deal with over the last year, and this may have affected your weight loss goals. However, it’s not too late to turn things around — try these five tips to jumpstart your weight loss journey and feel healthier than ever. 

1. Redefine Your Goals

If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, it may be time to redefine your goals — and your “why.” Do you want to lose weight to be healthier for your kids? To feel more confident? Everyone has a different “why” for losing weight, so clearly define yours. Also, making your goals ‘SMART’ is helpful for weight loss — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 

2. Get an Accountabili-Buddy

Reaching health goals is easier with a partner. If you don’t have someone in your household that can help you, look for a friend, coworker, or even someone virtual on a health app to hold you accountable. Having to report to someone else what you’re eating or how you’re exercising can provide external motivation to keep you going. 

3. Review Your Restaurants

If you’re eating out more and more often, reviewing restaurants’ menus and available nutrition facts can help you make more nutritious choices. Frequently, a restaurant meal can "seem" healthy (like a salad), but it might contain high-calorie or high-fat additions (like the dressing or toppings) that may hinder your weight loss journey. A quick review of a restaurant menu before you head to dinner can significantly increase your ability to choose a healthy meal! 

4. Kickstart Your Workouts

We all get into exercise ruts sometimes. If you’ve been doing the same ol’ fitness routine for months or years, it may be time to switch it up. With many gyms and studios opening back up again, now can be a great time to try out a fitness class you’ve always wanted to. Don’t want to be with crowds? Try searching on YouTube for free exercise classes to do at home! 

5. Master Your Mindset

Even if your nutrition and fitness are dialed in, you may still have trouble losing weight if your mindset isn’t right. If you’re always thinking about what went wrong or criticizing your body or food choices, it can negatively impact your weight loss success. Try focusing on positive self-talk — even if it’s something small, like praising yourself for adding vegetables to your meal or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.