Weight Loss Secret #1: Commit to and fall in love with the process
With anything new in life, we have to make a commitment. In this case, we are committing to the process of losing weight AND pursuing better health. It is very important to remember: Change is a process, not an event. When we make a commitment, we are telling ourselves that we will see it through no matter what.
Weight Loss Secret #2: Stay the Course even when it may be frustrating
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they have tried 'dieting' in the past was constantly watching the scale. That can be a frustrating process. You can lose 2 pounds one day and maybe put a pound back on the following, even without changing your routine. Frustrations can equal stress, stress can equal stress eating.
Although seeing change on the scale can be rewarding, it cannot be the only measure that we are tracking. It is important to make an effort to do a self-check on a regular basis: How do I feel? How is my energy? Am I sleeping better? Do I feel happier?
Re-enforcing the process with this self-check process can help ignite the positive reward system to continue to stay the course rather than throwing in the towel because the scale didn't change.
Weight Loss Secret #3: Fall in love with the idea of what your life will be like with less weight.
More energy/less fatigue, less aches and pains, more confidence... These are a few of the many effects people realize when they drop weight and improve the nutrition (fuel) they put into their bodies. Whatever your frustrations are about your health, whether your tired of being tired all the time, hate the way you look and/or feel, etc., fall in love with the idea of what life would be like if this improved. Let this be a driving force on sticking to the plan.
Weight Loss Secret #4: Find a system to help expedite the process
Some people are really good at figuring things out on their own. They can make a tweak here/there and lose 10-15 pounds. If you are like many, a little extra guidance is necessary. You must find a system that helps make the process easier.
Weight Loss Secret #5: Do the work!
There is no 'quick fix' with anything in life. There are band-aids which may create short term success, but long term success with anything requires work to be done. Zig Ziglar once said, "Repetition is the mother of learning, the father of action, which makes it the architect of accomplishment." If you find yourself saying, 'I'll try that once or twice' and somehow expect results. This is like saying, 'I ate two healthy meals and therefore I am healthy.' The reality is that change is a process and work must be done to achieve the goals you are looking for. Commit to the process and DO THE WORK!
Weight Loss Secret #6: You cannot out exercise a bad diet
Many folks think that they cannot lose weight if they do not exercise. Although exercise can very important, you cannot exercise enough if the fuel you are putting in your body is bad. Although exercise is very important, and is encouraged, it is possible to lose your desired weight without out.
Weight Loss Secret #7: Losing and maintaining weight doesn't mean you can never indulge
Let's face it, when it comes to food, temptations are all around us. In our society, a lot of our entertainment and social interactions revolve around food. Although you will feel so much better when you don't indulge, once you reach your health goals, it is ok to have a 'treat' here and there. Once you do though, it's best not to do it again for a while. You will became more than fine with this.
Weight Loss Secret #8: Keep it Simple
The K.I.S.S method, or Keep it Simple Stupid, really applies to losing weight and pursuing health. The simpler that we can make it, the easier it is to reach your goals. Many of our clients do not have time to constantly weigh foods or spend hours on end meal prepping. Those can both be great things to do, but the reality is that it will further complicate your journey. By keeping the process as simple as possible, your able to establish something that will give you longer term results.
Weight Loss Secret #9: Find Other Reward Systems
Food is often used as a reward system. Many people celebrate their daily, weekly, or monthly successes by splurging on a good meal and a glass of wine or a favorite beverage. It is important to find other 'Reward Systems.' On your journey, as you reach your various goals, find something to reward yourself with something other than food or drink.
Weight Loss Secret #10: Invest in yourself and in your health
One of the greatest investments you can ever make is to invest in your own health. Not just with money, but with time, energy, and focus. Investing in your health allows you to become a better version of yourself. It allows you to be a better spouse or significant other. It allows you to be a better parent, friend, son or daughter. It allows you to become a better employee or employer. How? Because you have more energy, sleep better, have more confidence, and allows you to love yourself more so you can love what you do in life. Just like they tell you to do on an airplane: Put your oxygen mask on first before helping others. You cannot help others or perform at your best each and every day if you do not have your health.