Do you struggle to maintain or lose weight? If so, you are certainly not alone. Obesity is on the rise and becoming an epidemic in our society. Why are so many people overweight? Can we blame our genetics? Are we are plagued by a slow metabolism? Certainly, we can't be the victims of our own self indulgence, can we?
I advise people that losing weight is like starting a new business. It takes careful planning, proper public promotion, consultation with the appropriate experts to set up the structure of the program, and most importantly, a tireless dedication to finish the task despite the guaranteed peaks and valleys along the way. Unfortunately, much of our society expects rapid results, and once they realize the flaw in a fad diet or quick fix, they become frustrated and look for the next overnight solution.
Let me point out the following critical challenges that often block weight loss success for many clients. The list below identifies seven major reasons people fail to attain their desired weight.
1) Unrealistic expectations ? As mentioned earlier, people are impatient and want instant gratification. Often, clients are motivated by special events, such as weddings, reunions, or office bets with peers. Once the event passes, the desire to maintain change is lost, or the person may miss the deadline altogether. The answer is to set realistic goals for losing 1-2 pounds per week, understanding that it takes time and you may not lose weight every week. Be patient and work hard.
2) Scale obsession ? How many of you get on the scale every morning? Weight will fluctuate by 1-3 pounds at times based on water retention, dehydration, and of course too much overindulgence. Gradual weight loss is best, and those who don't see positive change each time they get on the scale often get frustrated easily. I recommend weighing yourself once per week on the same scale, on the same day, and at the same time of day to ensure accuracy and reliability. This might be tough, but it will disappoint less and provide a clearer picture of your progress.
3) Skipping breakfast ? You probably have heard that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day." This is true because it kick starts your metabolism, provides fuel for activity, and also reduces the urge to eat unhealthy snacks before lunch. If you are rushed in the morning, buy healthy items such as fruit, yogurt, granola bars or cereal bars that can easily be consumed on the way to work or at your desk.
4) Failing to pack your lunch ? I firmly believe that packing a healthy lunch on a regular basis is essential to avoiding weight gain. If you don't, it becomes that much easier to grab fast food with co-workers or order in fare that is high in calories, hydrogenated fats, and sodium. You also have a higher probability of having desert when eating out.
5) Eating too few meals per day ? Yes, it's true that you should eat 5-7 times per day, but the portion sizes must be appropriate. Eating every 2-3 hours will prevent significant hunger pangs and eating binges. More importantly, it speeds metabolism and caloric burning throughout the day.
6) Poor grocery shopping ? I stick to the mantra of "If it's not in the house, you can't eat it." Always prepare a list of foods before going to the store, and never go shopping when you are hungry. This strategy will help eliminate unhealthy temptations and stumbling blocks.
7) Not drinking enough water ? Drinking water helps our muscles maintain cellular volume and flushes our system of waste products. It also prevents dehydration and excess water retention (water weight).
Brian Schiff, PT, CSCS, is a respected author, physical therapist and fitness expert. You can sign-up for his free online newsletter @ http://www.thefitnessedge.cc.
Copyright ? 2004 Brian Schiff. This article was first published in Business First Columbus, Ohio in 2004.
home cleaning services Deerfield ..Many of enjoy sitting down at Starbucks and enjoying a... Read More
Most of us are aware of the AA axiom of... Read More
Adherence to diet for one year, not the specific diet... Read More
"Unless that apple tastes like the best apple you've ever... Read More
Are you ready to lose some weight? Perhaps you're surfing... Read More
I want to talk about the "all or nothing" outlook... Read More
Whether coming from a close friend, the nightly news or... Read More
Choosing a weight loss program may be a daunting task.... Read More
Who really wants to lose weight? None of us, right?... Read More
I want to talk to you about cows and what... Read More
Although all of the risks involved in gastric bypass surgery... Read More
Reducing childhood obesity in the U.S. needs to be a... Read More
For the past 20 years, the American public has been... Read More
Today you have a good chance of getting diabetes or... Read More
You can overcome the desires of your sweet-tooth by incorporating... Read More
America loves fast food. Last year, consumers spent billions of... Read More
Several months ago I was in desperate need of weight... Read More
One of the most talked about topics in any political... Read More
Metabolism is the process by which your body changes food... Read More
A distorted body image is one of the symptoms that... Read More
Are you one of the many who may be tempted... Read More
You may not like what I have to say, even... Read More
There are numerous ways to make a bad weight loss... Read More
In the early nineties doctors were beginning to see the... Read More
Finding Mad Cow in Oregon puts a new wrinkle in... Read More
recurring housekeeping Highland Park ..A client wrote, "Help me! I thought I was finally... Read More
We have all heard of those new diets, Atkins, low... Read More
If you've been scouring the news, devouring as much information... Read More
I just read this conventional diet tip ? and we've... Read More
? Can you give me an exercise that will get... Read More
You may be considering weight loss surgery if you are... Read More
"I never saw it coming, how did I get so... Read More
Studies show that most Americans are fifteen percent fatter today... Read More
You're always hungry right? The last thing you have time... Read More
With so many diets and fads being offered on the... Read More
The holidays are now officially over and it's time to... Read More
A typical breakfast consists of 3 or 4 strips of... Read More
Are you a hopeless carbohydrate addict? Let's conquer these cravings... Read More
Here are 5 solutions to slimming:1. Set Mini-Goals: Try setting... Read More
The debate about whether supplements for weight loss are healthy... Read More
Almost everyone has attempted to follow diets and weight loss... Read More
It seems there are two schools of behavior patients follow... Read More
Your brain has this really interesting system that is kind... Read More
This year, we all made some of the typical New... Read More
Although liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic... Read More
With the number of people suffering from obesity rising so... Read More
Well, look at you go! You keep moving closer and... Read More
Are you Telling Yourself It's Too Hard to Lose Weight?Telling... Read More
I have been seriously working on losing weight for about... Read More
Cleansing: How to Kickstart your Alkaline LifestyleDue to the highly... Read More
Weight Loss |