Over the years, numerous theories regarding weight loss have come and gone, but it seems that there is only one absolute when it comes to individual bodies and the ability to shed unwanted weight. It is the simple equation of calories taken into the body verses calories expended. One must burn more calories than what he or she is taking in to lose weight. How this is achieved, is where the variables come in. And there are a lot of variables. So many so, that it would be impossible to list them all. This is where taking your previous "failures" if you will, comes in.
I suggest taking these "failed" diets as learning lessons. Take the time to really reflect on which methods worked and which didn't. More importantly, ask yourself why they didn't. Were you constantly hungry? Was it too costly? Perhaps it was inconvenient. Were the meals unappealing or tasteless? How did you feel while on the program? Did you lose energy? Perhaps you felt dizzy. You see, while our intentions may be admirable and even realistic, our methods for reaching that goal may be unrealistic.
For instance, if you are on a tight budget and sign up for a program that costs $500 dollars a month just because they had a $50 special, that's not being realistic. If you order the Insanity Workout and can't walk up a flight of stairs, that's not realistic. If preparing your meals means spending hours in the kitchen and you barely have time to take a shower every day, that's not realistic.
Being realistic means researching what would work best for you and commit to it. Set a realistic weight goal and date. Wanting to lose 100 lbs in 2 months is hardly realistic for the average person. Just because a couple people have done it does not mean you can or should. Since the point of losing weight is to BE healthy, crash diets should be used in moderation and only for short periods of time.
So ask yourself:
Can I afford this? Maybe finding a less expensive alternative is for you.
Do I have the time to prepare the meals? Prepackaged programs are in nearly every grocery store.
Do you have a large appetite? Fasts may not work for you.
Exercise? Start slow and with small lifestyle changes if you are uncomfortable joining a class. Parking your car further, walking DOWN the stairs, and replacing your office chair with a balance ball are just a few.
Once you have selected a program for your lifestyle, find a support group or buddy. If no person is close, there are a lot of groups online with thousands of people in similar situations who are either currently going through it or have succeeded in it.
Give yourself an incentive. Something just for YOU and NOT food related....no cake or dinner at a swanky restaurant. Maybe a day at the spa, complete with massage, mud bath and beauty treatments. Or something you've always wanted to do, but were too unhealthy or self conscious to do. Skydiving? Rock climbing? Zip lining the rainforest? Post pictures of your goal on the frig. Get updates on your phone and start a savings account for that reward. Try to calculate your weight loss goal date and how much you need to put in the savings every day/week so when you reach your goal, you'll have the money needed.
Stick to it, hang in there and remember that you can do whatever you set your mind and heart to do. It may not always be easy, but it WILL be well worth it. Why? Because you are well worth it. - Angelica Mordant
