Weight Loss.
Those 2 words alone can send shivers down someones back. It is a topic of discussion for just about everyone. In fact it will be the topic of conversation during a coffee break, a lunchtime meetup, or over dinner with friends. Turn the TV on and we will see prime time shows dedicated to Extreme Weight Loss, or being the Biggest Loser. Weight loss is on everyone’s mind yet there is clear evidence that most people don`t have a clue how to lose it!
First I would like to point out if you are only interested in weight loss then that is the problem! Weight loss is the result of creating good lifestyle habits! Having good lifestyle habits will enable you to lose weight and keep it off.
There are 4 key points one needs to consider when developing new lifestyle habits.
1. Why am I doing this?
One must take into account the real reason for starting a weight loss program or rather a new lifestyle habit. When someone knows WHY they do what they do then it is much easier to stay committed.
2. Can I commit to these new habits lifelong?
This seems like an obvious question yet as I watched a weight loss program on TV this week I couldn’t help but wonder just how long these people could maintain their new lifestyle. I know that when I make a decision to change just one thing in my life it takes tremendous commitment. Anyone who takes on multiple habit changes is asking for a lot. For example I saw one person attempt to commit to completely CHANGING their diet , adding MASSIVE exercise, quit smoking, working less hours, getting more sleep and on and on. This is a recipe for failure!
3. Keeping it simple
Change is tough. To break free from old lifestyle habits is difficult yet to have the results for lifelong health, it is so worth it. Keep it simple by eliminating sugar from your diet first. Why sugar? Read this attached article http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/white-poison-danger-sugar-beat-article-1.1605232 Change your choice of drink from whatever it was to water. Find a trainer for the gym so that you have a coach and someone that makes you accountable. This simple steps are just the beginning yet will have a profound effect on you.
4. What are the roadblocks?
What are the roadblocks to success? Identify them and deal with them. Is it a family member? Talk with them and let them know just how committed you are to your new lifestyle habits and ask them to support you. Eliminate food in your household you know that is bad for you. If the temptation is there then you WILL succumb to it. I know this from first hand experience. Do you have an physical limitations that might prevent you from working out effectively? After my hip replacement there was a period 0f time where I was limited in my mobility and strength. I have met many people who have not recovered from their hip replacement and have been unable to work out. This certainly can be a hurdle in developing new healthy lifestyle habits yet developing them will be a first step in improving the recovery process.
It is always great to see people who have lost lots of weight. It is the result of a process that that person has undertaken. To me what is more important is seeing those people living a healthier life, an on purpose life that involves making healthy lifestyle choices. Having those good habits will be the catalyst for anyone to keep the weight off lifelong!
John OneHipGuy