Good morning! My topic today regards false starts in the weight loss game. There are many times we begin our challenge all gung-ho; figuring we are Supermen and Superwomen, at the gym exercising like CRAZY, dieting, and making promises the old self will never return. Unfortunately for most of us, the problems which got us into our bodies rears its ugly head. And then what? We revert into the bad habits which cause us to gain the weight back (and then some). It's an ugly cycle. I still haven't figured out why there are some of us who are doing so well with their physical fitness plan, but then choose not to continue with their progress. I'm perplexed as I have fallen into this pitfall wherein even with great strides toward my goal, I've chosen to revert to my bad habits.
Folks, there's no cure to obesity. Diet, exercise, and yes, even gastric bypass, will not keep you from regaining undesired weight. However, you might want to choose new approaches to permanent weight loss:
1. Think of your healthful food choices as a lifestyle change; NOT a diet! Diets are like putting a band aid on a hemorrhage. It's a temporary fix to a long term problem. You can't diet forever, but you can change the way you prepare the foods which you love, and the amount you eat of these foods. It's not like you can't have them: You just eat them to death!
2. Be consistent. Sporadically working out is not an effective tool in a long term fitness plan. Finding a group fitness class has helped me be consistent in staying physical. Confessing to myself that I can't maintain my healthy lifestyle on my own has really assisted in keeping me moving. Being honest with your strengths versus weaknesses is key to your plan. Knowing how uninspired I can be, leaving it to myself to head to the gym to use their equipment is a "no go." Add a little inclement weather to the equation? I'm not going!
If you can't get to your chosen group class, there are other ways to keep fit around your neighborhood or at home. Walk, bike, exercise DVDs, etc., can be your fitness ticket on those days you can't make it to the gym. 4-5 days a week for 30 minutes a day? You can do that!
3. My daughter suggested our family and friends use www.FitBit.com. This website has been paramount in keeping us honest in what calories we are taking in versus our physical output. You're held accountable for what you're actually eating by being assigned a certain amount of calories in relation to the physical movement you do for a day. And yes, if you aren't moving, your calorie allotment will surely reflect a decrease in the amount of calories you can consume.
4. Increase your exercise routine slowly. This may decrease the chance of burn-out. Change up what you do for exercise, too, so you don't risk boredom.
5. Choose a reasonable weight loss of 1/2 - 2 pounds a week (leaning more towards the 1/2 - 1 pound). You didn't gain all that weight in 6 months, so why do you think you're going to take it off in that short amount of time?
6. Choose a group of friends to help you stay on track. For me, this meant going to group exercise classes (AHA! Zumba!!!) Knowing you've got friends who are on the same fitness journey as you will help keep you focused on your long term goal of fitness).
7. I know, I know. You've got friends who aren't on this journey with you. They choose to overeat, and tempt you to do the same. Again, for me, I limit my outings with said individuals until I'm on my allotted "cheat" day, so that I can enjoy a meal and/or alcoholic drink. I'm not into totally denying myself a treat, but this needs to be an infrequent indulgence. Once a month works for me! Why not ask your friend(s) to try some physical activity prior and/or after eating? This way you can burn some of the calories you've consumed! Hey, they might even enjoy it! (LOL)
I encourage you to find an activity which YOU enjoy, and stick to it! Weight loss is easy: But the matter is keeping it off!
The Barefoot Diabetic
