First, let's take a look at how you feel. If you are feeling better, have more energy, more confidence, isn't that a result? Aren't all of those positive things? What about your clothes? Do they fit better, feel more comfortable, maybe look a little different than before? Aren't those good results? What about your body? Is your digestion better? Are you sleeping better at night? Have your stress levels decreased? Again, who wouldn't be happy with these outcomes, right? Guess what?!? ALL of these results could occur without you losing one single pound! Even the way your clothes fit could change as your body composition changes without seeing one change at all on the scales.
Let's take a look at something else. Now, this may make you feel uncomfortable, and even a little weird, but I stand by it. The first thing you should do is take some pictures. I recommend you getting into as little clothing as you are comfortable with and get some snapshots. I'm not talking about anything indecent or distasteful. Get on Google or YouTube and search for before and after pics and you'll get the idea. I know this is a tough request. I know it may be out of your comfort zone. How do I know this? That's how I felt too. I didn't do it. I didn't like what I saw in the mirror. I didn't want to see it, much less immortalize it in a picture. Then, once I started having success, I was so excited that I didn't really think about it. Once I reached my first weight loss goal, I could produce an after pic but had nothing to compare it to. Fortunately, I found a snapshot that someone had taken of me just a few months before I started. Had it not been for that, I would have nothing. Now, I use those pics and new ones to keep me motivated. I can honestly say that I haven't lost any weight at all in the past few months; however, my body has changed quite a bit. I see it everyday. It's impossible for me to see the changes UNLESS I have a point of comparison. Those pictures provide just that--a point of comparison that will show your success.
Of course you can look at other things as well--tape measures, endurance levels (are you getting stronger in your workouts), scales, BMI, body fat percentages, etc. to monitor your progress. I just wanted to offer you a few other important things to consider when you are asking the question, "When will the results come?" Stay on course and stay true to yourself. Even if you blow one meal, one day or one week, don't stop. That's not a license to lack commitment. It's simply encouragement to tell you that you can always regroup and get back on track. Take control and achieve the results that you want!
