Running for Weight Loss Challenge Week 1

Want to know how to lose weight running? Join the Running Bug's January weight loss challenge to kickstart your healthy, happy 2012. Running is a great way to lose weight as part of a healthy lifestyle. To help you achieve your weight loss goals, every week during January on The Running Bug we’ll be setting you five challenges. The challenges have been devised to get you on the right course for successful weight loss, teaching you the skills and know-how you’ll need to reach your target. 

Your weight loss challenges for week one are:

1. Join the Running Bug's Run Yourself Slim Group
By joining our Run Yourself Slim Group you will instantly be off to a good start as it's a statement of intent that you will achieve your goals. You'll need to be a Running Bug member to join but it's free and takes 30 seconds. Once you've joined the group, post an update telling everyone what your goals are. By updating every day you will benefit from the support and advice of the Running Bug members, helping you achieve your goals.

Join the Run Yourself Slim Group here.

2. Set your goal weight
Deciding on your target weight is one of the most important first steps to weight loss. Knowing your target weight helps you see how much work there is to do, how long it could take and will give you an idea of how different you’ll look and feel once you’ve achieved it. Like any journey, you’re lost before you start if you don’t know where you’re going! Advice on setting your goals here.

3. Plan your meals for the week ahead
Planning what you’re going to eat in advance will help you to make sure you have everything in the house for the meals you want to eat and will make you less likely to snack (or feast!) on the wrong foods. You’ll also find it easier to plan a health balance of different foods. Decide to follow the Running Bug 7 Day Diet Plan and the planning will already be done for you!

4. Plan your running and other exercise for all of January
If only for this month, make exercise a priority. Schedule times when you’ll be running or taking part in other exercise and commit to sticking to them. The Running Bug's training tools are free and perfect for runners of all abilities. Find running training schedules and tools here.

5. Give up one unhealthy food
Pick the food that you think has been the biggest hindrance to your weight loss in the past and resolve not to eat it at all this week. If you don't know where to start with Nutrition for Runners check out our Complete Nutrition Guide for Runners here. If you've struggled with diets before, there are Eight Ways to Stop Cheating on Your Diet here.

Let us know how you're getting on with your challenges via the comments box below.