After reading what is probably over 50 weight loss books in my life, they all equate to calorie restriction. It’s quite true, most of us eat more then we need because we are either filling emotional holes, or eating calorie dense but nutrient less foods. Both of these will compell you to eat more then you need. My biggest issue is carbohydrates; which although are not bad on their own, are still a major over consumption in my life. I cannot think of a day I do not crave donuts, pasta, Pepsi or chocolate.
Carbohydrates in the case of donuts, pasta, pop or chocolate are high in calories and very low in nutrients, in fact some contain no real nutrients. Pop at a standard 355ml (can) serving is about 150 calories and contains absolutely zip in the way of vitamins or minerals. Yep, you or I have just consumed 150 calories for no purpose at all.
What makes weight loss hard isn’t so much that your going hungry, but there is a fear that you are going to go hungry, it’s idle hands and not using your time well, or using food to deal with stress from relationships to work. There is a lot to contend with. I’ve had fits that if I didn’t have pop and if I had to drink something else I would demand a pop I would get upset and yes I’ve even cried. That’s when I knew I had an addiction. Not just to the caffeine but to the quick dose of sugar it would give me.
I know that no amount of scare tactics are going to be enough to make me lose weight, short of having an encounter with death. You could be told that your chances for getting Cancer, Heart Disease, Diabeties or other complications from obesity can lead to your untimely death and it still won’t change. That’s because they are not inline with your internal motivators.
There are benefits of weight loss that we don’ t always think about; such as feeling healthier, being more energetic and even having better moods. As well fitting into better clothes and having a better body image. Some of us want to get hot and shock our boyfriends in to outer space. Some want some definition and muscle tone to get toned abs or picture perfect arms and shoulders.
So what you need to do is find your weight loss motivator. Your motivators cannot be just a short term goal, such as slimming down for a wedding or reunion. You need to find a weight loss motivator that is a long term goal and motivator.
~~~~~~ CALL TO ACTION ~~~~~~
For the next 5 to 10 minutes write out all the reasons you want to lose weight. You will either need a pen and paper, or simply open a notepad on your computer.
(Jeopardy theme plays…..)
So now that you have your list, remove any that are short term reasons. I find that four solid long term motivators are key. Too many and you risk confusing yourself, too little and you may find that reason isn’t so motivating today.
Here are my top four reasons:
- I want to be a personal trainer and weight loss coach. Nobody is going to trust a chubby anything in those fields. [Career]
- If I lose weight, my back problems will be less debilitating. This was on my doctor’s advice. [Health]
- Having boundless energy to tackle my day and be more productive. Having excess weight is a burden on my body and my health. [Health]
- Having defined and lean muscles and accentuated curves. So I might just turn myself on in the mirror. [Physical]
Now that you’ve discovered your weight loss motivators, pin them up, print them out and let it be seen. Great to pin to a cork board or a dry erase board. Make sure you see them and read them at least once a day.
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