The battle of losing weight. It is not something that is usually embraced, for sure, and speaking from experience, it takes alot of time to get things right. It takes patience and trust in the process, and trust in YOURSELF. BELIEF.....right? If you are reading this....I'm sure you've been through this, or are going through it....maybe even for the 2nd or 3rd time, and hey...it happens. Important thing is, is that you are back to try again. Here are a few things that I have learned over the years about losing weight that I hope helps those who have made these mistakes as well, and can hopefully realize NOW...why you have not been able to move forward with the weight loss journey.
1. Giving up after no immediate results.
You have to realize something, whether you wanna or not....it takes TIME and WORK to start seeing results. I remember being frustrated in the beginning of my journey because I busted my butt on the treadmill for a week straight, and I got NOTHIN' on the scale. Well...I remember reading a quote that really opened my eyes to what to expect, and it said:
Think about how long it has taken you to put on this weight. This is why it's called a "weight loss journey" right? It takes time...but never just quit, because you will only make it harder for yourself the next time around!
2. Going at it alone.
I'm going to be honest here. I did it alone! 100% ALONE....and I'm going to be honest again....I wish I had someone with me in my journey. I've been called a "rare bird" at times, because one....I lost ALL of my weight at home...no gym....EVER, until I had already lost all of my weight, and I got a job in one, and TWO....I did it alone. But actually, I didn't realize the community of people available, and who are going through the same things, and struggles, and who work TOGETHER at reaching their goals, until I had already lost my weight, and that makes me sad. Why? Because being around others who are going through this provides much more motivation and support on days that you do want to just give up. They are the back bone to each others journey, and it's an amazing thing to be a part of. If you have the option....find people to bring along in this with you....better for you...better for the world!
3. Making alot of changes all at once.
There's a book I once read called The Compound Effect. It talks about the small steps that you take, everyday, compounded over time, is where success lies. Change isn't an easy process, and changing too much too soon, is a destructive road to go down. Making small, sustainable changes, and gently challenging yourself to live according to what is truly best for you, is the best way to succeed in this journey. One day, one small CONSISTENT step at a time.
4. Take the time to learn.
This is a big one! Since signing up at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and becoming a Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach, I've come to find out soooo much about the food industry and how they work, and what they do to our food to make a buck, and let me tell you....it's quite sad. When you go to the grocery store and you see these products labeled "Natural" "Diet" "Healthy" etc.....it is usually far from the truth. When people see these words on products, like yogurt, breads, cereals, etc....they are usually packed full of chemicals, and other ingredients like additives, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners (big one!) that will in fact, put weight ON you, instead of doing what you have been working towards. I recommend taking the time to really learn about what is in the foods you are eating, and try to stick to whole foods. Fruits, veggies, no refined sugars....or white flour products. Try taking processed or 'boxed' foods out of your diet...slowly of course.
5. Listening to quick fix advice or other unqualified sources.
Starting my journey....I of course jumped online and went straight to the internet. Yes....the internet is a godsend for most things in life, but when it comes to nutrition and fitness.....let me tell you, there is ALOT of false information, hence my sentence about starting at IIN and finding out some stuff. I became qualified in nutrition. I LEARNED and am still learning everyday what is good and what isn't. There is just so much that could go wrong when you take advice from someone who either hasn't been through their OWN journey, or will tell you anything to make a buck....and trust me, it happens alot. Don't listen to just any Jo Shmo because they have muscles. I have come to find that even the ones that are cut and have the abs that we all desire, and are just "perfect" eat HORRIBLY!! The same goes for fitness. I'm a Beachbody Coach. To become a Beachbody Coach, you do NOT have to be Certified in anything....personal training, coaching, nutrition, none of it. The only qualification is being a customer. Now, let me tell ya something.....I learned ALOT from other Beachbody Coaches surprisingly, and even though there is no qualification needed, they have all been through it. Not saying they ALL know what they are talking about , but the ones that have had success in their journey, certainly know a thing or two about fitness. My recommendation is, if you hear or read something, ask someone qualified to know if what it is is correct. Like a Coach or personal trainer.
I for one want to say, that if you are reading this blog post, and whether or not this is just the beginning or a 100+lb weight loss, a 20lb weight loss, or you are back to try again, I want to congratulate you for taking the time to take care of YOU. For taking the steps necessary to live a long, healthy life, with your family, because you truly deserve it! Be proud of yourself every step of the way, and learn to enjoy it, because you will come out of it stronger and happier!:)
Much love,
The Invigorated Soul
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