If you've ever watched any of the weight loss shows on television, you have heard all the excuses: I can't lose weight! I've tried every diet out there! I even had my stomach stapled and I still gained weight!
And then you watch as these contestants proceed to lose massive amounts of weight under the tutelage of their celebrity trainers.
So what gives? How come so many people find it impossible to lose weight without help?
They might not be ready.
So, STEP ONE: get ready!
Get ready means get prepared. Prepare your space. Rid your cabinets of everything you no longer wish to consume. If it is there, you will eat it. So remove all the junk. Prepare your schedule. Block out the time you need for shopping, food prep, exercise, cooking, eating, sleeping, etc. Prepare your family and friends. Make sure you have their support. If you have people in your life who would love to see you fail, now is the time to ditch those frenemies. Surround yourself with cheerleaders.
And prepare your MIND.
I believe the first key to weight loss is commitment. People who are claiming they cannot lose weight on any diet have simply not made the choice to stick with the program until it works. Because pretty much ANY diet plan will work if you stay on it. One hour on Atkins will not do much. A day or two on the Zone will not work. If you are young and healthy, you'll probably see some weight dropping off after a week on any diet plan. But if you're older, mostly sedentary, diabetic, or face other health issues, you might need to follow a diet for a month before noticing any significant movement on the scale. Yes. That's right. A full 30 days. And that's just the beginning.
Step Two: Get set!
Set yourself up for success. Choose a diet plan that you know you can stick with for the long haul. As I've said before, all of the big name diet plans work. I've personally lost weight on Atkins, The Zone, Whole 30, My Fitness Pal, and the Paleo Challenge. But the South Beach, Bulletproof, and Weight Watchers will all work. Do your research. Know your preferences. Eating only cabbage soup might help you drop a few pounds, but it's not a diet you can live with long-term. Choose a plan that will keep you happy and satisfied for the foreseeable future.
Choose a method for tracking your food choices and exercise. You can use an app (I like My Fitness Pal but there are many other free choices) or an old-fashioned notebook or journal. It doesn't matter how you do it, just be sure to jot down EVERYTHING you eat. I like to track my exercise as well. Keeping track can help keep you motivated.
Step Three: GO!
Attack your diet plan like you're on a mission. If you want to make progress, you can't be wishy-washy about your plan to lose weight. Jump in with both feet. Transform your whole life. Instead of lazing around in bed when you have the day off, get up early. Lace up your running shoes and go for a jog. Or hit the gym. Jump on a trampoline or a bike. Go showshoeing or skiing or sledding. Swim in the ocean. Try to avoid sitting for long periods. You can set an alarm on your computer or your phone or your Fitbit to remind you to move your body. If you have to sit at a desk to do your job, get up and go for a quick walk once every hour.
If you normally get take out or fast food, learn how to prepare your own meals. This is the most valuable tool in your weight loss repetoire. When you cook for yourself, you are in the driver's seat. You are the only one who controls what goes into your mouth. Take that power!
Lastly, if you need help, ask. I'm available for one-on-one weight loss coaching and personal training. We can work together in person, over the phone, or by email. If you need someone in your corner, I'd be happy to be that person.
#hocofitness
#hocowellness
And then you watch as these contestants proceed to lose massive amounts of weight under the tutelage of their celebrity trainers.
So what gives? How come so many people find it impossible to lose weight without help?
They might not be ready.
So, STEP ONE: get ready!
Get ready means get prepared. Prepare your space. Rid your cabinets of everything you no longer wish to consume. If it is there, you will eat it. So remove all the junk. Prepare your schedule. Block out the time you need for shopping, food prep, exercise, cooking, eating, sleeping, etc. Prepare your family and friends. Make sure you have their support. If you have people in your life who would love to see you fail, now is the time to ditch those frenemies. Surround yourself with cheerleaders.
And prepare your MIND.
I believe the first key to weight loss is commitment. People who are claiming they cannot lose weight on any diet have simply not made the choice to stick with the program until it works. Because pretty much ANY diet plan will work if you stay on it. One hour on Atkins will not do much. A day or two on the Zone will not work. If you are young and healthy, you'll probably see some weight dropping off after a week on any diet plan. But if you're older, mostly sedentary, diabetic, or face other health issues, you might need to follow a diet for a month before noticing any significant movement on the scale. Yes. That's right. A full 30 days. And that's just the beginning.
Step Two: Get set!
Set yourself up for success. Choose a diet plan that you know you can stick with for the long haul. As I've said before, all of the big name diet plans work. I've personally lost weight on Atkins, The Zone, Whole 30, My Fitness Pal, and the Paleo Challenge. But the South Beach, Bulletproof, and Weight Watchers will all work. Do your research. Know your preferences. Eating only cabbage soup might help you drop a few pounds, but it's not a diet you can live with long-term. Choose a plan that will keep you happy and satisfied for the foreseeable future.
Choose a method for tracking your food choices and exercise. You can use an app (I like My Fitness Pal but there are many other free choices) or an old-fashioned notebook or journal. It doesn't matter how you do it, just be sure to jot down EVERYTHING you eat. I like to track my exercise as well. Keeping track can help keep you motivated.
Step Three: GO!
Attack your diet plan like you're on a mission. If you want to make progress, you can't be wishy-washy about your plan to lose weight. Jump in with both feet. Transform your whole life. Instead of lazing around in bed when you have the day off, get up early. Lace up your running shoes and go for a jog. Or hit the gym. Jump on a trampoline or a bike. Go showshoeing or skiing or sledding. Swim in the ocean. Try to avoid sitting for long periods. You can set an alarm on your computer or your phone or your Fitbit to remind you to move your body. If you have to sit at a desk to do your job, get up and go for a quick walk once every hour.
If you normally get take out or fast food, learn how to prepare your own meals. This is the most valuable tool in your weight loss repetoire. When you cook for yourself, you are in the driver's seat. You are the only one who controls what goes into your mouth. Take that power!
Lastly, if you need help, ask. I'm available for one-on-one weight loss coaching and personal training. We can work together in person, over the phone, or by email. If you need someone in your corner, I'd be happy to be that person.
#hocofitness
#hocowellness
Comments
Post a Comment
Please share your helpful questions and comments here! Thanks for being part of this balanced community!