Well, perhaps the question is also, 'what do you really, really need' when it comes to diet and exercise? Further yet, what are you willing to sacrifice to get it? Truth is, it will require giving up some, or perhaps numerous bad habits to obtain it. Weight loss, exercise and nutrition go hand in hand. One without the other is truly a waste of time. I say this from personal experience. Until you actually 'get it', you won't really get it....that is the results you want. I cannot tell you the endless times over the last many decades I've looked at 'before' and 'after' pictures in magazines of other people's weight loss success stories....other people...not me. I can recall asking myself, 'why can't you get there....what is holding you back'? 2014 was a triumphant year for me in this area....finally! Now I'm just 'tweeking' those results so to speak. I worked on getting over 34 pounds of fat off my body....2015 is now focused on toning and building muscle...getting the final picture in place. I'm getting there...it's been a slow process, but one of what I call 'forward motion'. I don't give up, I don't give in and I don't back down. That is my motto, and I keep it always in the forefront of my mind.
To answer my question to myself as to 'why' I couldn't seem to get there took a bit of soul searching and total honesty with myself. What I concluded was that I felt if I did, then I'd want to 'show it off'. Hmmm....that's it? That is all that is holding me back from being successful with this? Oh my! Well...enough of that! Ok, so I show it off? So what? Perhaps you need to do this for yourself. I guess I'm old school in a sense that I like to write things down on paper. In a 21st century world of 'e' everything for 'electronic', I like to feel that piece of paper in my hand and view it with my eyes. However, if you want to journal yours in 'e' fashion and that works for you, that's fine...just do it! It's really important. This will be an indispensable tool in your success and a valuable record of your journey that you can reference for encouragement along the way. Seeing how far you've come will fuel motivation to go the distance.
It's not rocket science, but it does require effort and commitment to get into shape. You can't just walk into the gym and workout without a plan. Ok, you could, but how would you realize results without goals? See my point? Take the time to sit down and put some careful thought into it. The plan and goal is #1. Be specific! Generalizing it won't get it. Don't just say, 'I want to lose weight'. Ok, that's great, but how much weight? And in what time frame? Don't be unrealistic or you'll set yourself up for disappointment. To think you'll lose 20 pounds in two weeks is most likely not going to happen. Slow and steady wins the race. If you feel this is something you cannot do on your own, then seek out the assistance and guidance from a certified personal trainer or health coach.
There are many important factors that need to be taken into consideration when putting a lifestyle change in place....that's what I like to call it, because that's what it needs to be. A good personal trainer will get your full health/medical background including body weight and measurements. Why? Because there are several components that will determine what type of workout plan is safest and most beneficial for you. If you have had a heart attack and have stints in place, you will not be able to do high intensity aerobic activity as you will need to keep your heart rate in check. If you are diabetic, there are also special considerations. Current and past health history play a large role and cannot be overlooked. Prescription medications are also require attention in planning an exercise program. Your resting heart rate will be recorded, and a 'target heart rate' determined. This will vary with gender and age.
Finally, diet habits will need to be discussed. I think this is the part most people do not like. Taking inventory of what you eat and realizing that most likely some radical changes may be necessary, is not often the most pleasant part. The typical diet is S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) indeed. What do you currently eat? Track it and record it for several days. What is your budget for food? What grocery stores are available in your area? Are you just responsible for feeding yourself or do you have a husband, children, etc? Do you skip breakfast? How many meals do you eat a day? Do you snack? If so, what foods do you eat when? Do you eat out a lot? Fast food? Any food allergies? What foods do you like? Dislike? What is your willingness to try new foods? I've eaten a variety of foods over my lifetime and I'm quite open to trying something new or unusual...this is very beneficial.
As you can see, this requires a lot of YOU! In fact, it's about you. This is an area you are allowed to be 'selfish'. You do this for you, not for somebody else. I can give you advice and guide you on the right path, but I can't eat for you and I can't exercise for you. This will require effort that can only come from....Y.O.U.! Bottom line....your success depends on....you guessed it....YOU! If you possess a determined mindset, you will be successful. Knowing it won't be easy, that it requires constant and consistent work is all part of it...but it is so worth it! Anything worth having is worth working for....either work hard or you might as well quit. But don't quit...don't give up....if you do, then what? I know the value of good health because I have suffered from failing health in the recent past. I reflect on that now, and it still brings tears to my eyes to think I was ready to throw in the towel. That is not my personality. I was not raised that way. I'm not a quitter, I'm an over comer, and that has made me a strong person. Theodore Roosevelt said it well: "believe you can and you're halfway there." One of my favorite encouraging sayings is: 'your fitness is 100% mental. Your body will not go where your mind does not take it.' And lastly, something thought provoking from 'MotivationMafia'....'the same boiling water that softens the potato hardens the egg. It's not about the circumstance, but rather what you are made of.'
You've got this....I know you can do it!
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