How many times did you try a diet and lose weight, only to gain it back again? You probably did see short-term success, but it didn't last. Am I right? If so then don't worry, you're perfectly normal -- probably you heard before that 95 percent of people who lose weight go on to gain it all back within 1 to 2 years (often even gaining more than they lost).
Do you think the problem is a lack of education about what's right for your body? You can find endless nutrition books, webinars and tons of information on the internet that's totally free. So it shouldn't be a lack of education.
What is it then, why do most people get stuck with yo-yo dieting, always looking for the newest, latest wonder diet? What's the secret?
First, you must find your "WHY."
That is, you need to find the real reason behind your desire to lose weight. What is really driving you? Not just "I want to fit in my jeans" or "my doctor told me I should." You should really think about the deeper reasons, the things that will push you forward and keep you motivated.
If you keep asking yourself this question you may be surprised at the answers you get. For example, some people want to lose weight to look good for their husband or wife. I've even found some of my clients are actually unconsciously sabotaging their diet because they don't want to attract attention to their body.
Make sure you're honest with yourself about why you're doing it.
"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."
-- Mark Twain
Create a map.
You need to plan daily and weekly, and allow yourself enough time so that you can easily make it.
Think this way: when you go to work, most likely you know exactly what you need to do each day. And you make plans for your summer holiday. Now in order to be successful with your diet you need to plan too, and find the right strategy -- not one that works for someone else, but one that perfectly fits YOU.
So before you start your weight loss program, make sure you take your time and create a road map.
Change your beliefs about yourself.
Stop saying "I am fat," "I can't lose weight easily," "My metabolism is so slow," "I am getting old"... If you're telling yourself something over and over again then you'll really believe it's true.
Instead, how about saying "I'm getting healthier," "My body is getting stronger every day," "I can lose weight so easy."
Even reading these sentences now makes you feel more positive, am I right?
Be mindful what you're telling yourself about YOU!
"When you change your thoughts and what you believe about what's possible for you, you change everything, including your physiology." -- Wayne Dyer
Practice conscious breathing for 10 minutes each day.
Conscious breathing has a relaxing, healing effect. But how often do you really realize that you are breathing?
Try this exercise. Just sit or lie down comfortably, then relax your shoulders by lifting and dropping them a few times. Keep your eyes closed. Breathe slowly and deeply, without forcing. When you inhale feel your body rise up, and when you exhale feel your belly relax.
When you relax, your hormones will balance and you can start to feel joy. This also helps reduce emotional and binge eating too.
Conscious breathing creates self-awareness, which is all you need to help you change your actions.
"To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax and float!"
-- Alan Watts
Now relax and enjoy your health journey!
