Do you know someone who is always on a diet? The person usually sticks with the diet for a certain amount of time, then moves on to the next diet.
Later you see the person and it doesn’t look like they’ve ever been on a diet. The person has re-gained all the weight they lost and is talking about going on another diet. And the cycle goes continues.
I’m sure you know someone who is trying to lose weight; it’s not uncommon. Weight loss diets are designed so that the person takes in less calories than they burn. If calories are restricted, the weight will come off. The question is will the weight stay off?
For many people, the weight creeps back on. About 95% of all weight-loss diets are failures in the long-term. That’s why it is important that you do not get caught up in fad diets. Yes, you will drop the pounds, but the pounds will eventually return.
The weight loss industry’s purpose is to make a profit. Can’t knock them for their hustle, but the reality is that the weight you lose on a certain fad diet, is only temporary. Don’t think you will get a quick fix, because it took you years to put on the added weight.
I know the advertisements are enticing, “Lose all the weight you want for only $30.” Yeah, you’ll lose weight, but after a while you’ll get tired of spending your $30.
What about this one, “Melt fat while you sleep.” Okay, sounds very tempting, but the reality is that you must move your body to melt fat and keep it off.
Stop buying into the hype, for quick fixes. I have people ask opinion about certain diets and surgeries for losing weight. Why not just sacrifice and make a lifestyle change, for some that’s just too hard. But making lifestyle changes has greater benefits than any quick fix could ever have.
Weight loss is not like driving up to a drive-thru window and placing your order. You cannot drive up, order weight loss and expect a miracle. It took years for the weight to catch up with you and it will probably take years for the weight to leave you.
Wouldn’t you rather keep the pounds off for a lifetime? The only way you can have control over your weight is that you build on healthful habits.
Healthful Habits
If you want to keep the weight off for the rest of your life, you must adopt healthful eating and exercise habits. You cannot return to the unhealthy lifestyle you once had.
What are Healthful Habits?
Habits that are beneficial for your body or mind. Whatever you do, make sure you make healthy choices.
If you have some bad habits that are not healthy, like overeating, then find a way to stop overeating. Whatever the bad habit is, that hinders your weight loss progress, must let go.
Choosing healthful habits over unhealthful habits, is not easy, but do know that you can do it. Never think that you cannot do it, because if you want it bad enough, you can do it.
Stop Focusing on the Weight Loss
Don’t focus on being thin and how many pounds you need to lose. As a matter of fact, stop constantly weighing yourself. Start focusing on becoming a healthier you. You’re probably saying to yourself, “That’s easier said than done.” Well, just do it and see what happens!
Here is what you should focus on more, while on your weight loss journey:
1. Achieving great health
2. High energy levels
3. Vitality (life)
4. Being positive (don’t be hard on yourself)
5. Being happy (don’t worry)
6. Building healthful habits for a life time.
It only takes one step to start your journey, but you must take that step. You are the only one who can do this.
There are no quick fixes for fast weight loss, even though some would have you believe otherwise. With time, patience dedication and hard work, you will never see that weight again.
Lifelong healthful habits is what makes the long-term difference. But you must stick with it and make it a way of life.
“Stop focusing on the weight loss”…couldn’t agree more Evelyn. Switching over to more healthful habits can be quite challenging but I truly believe that developing a real sense of caring for your health and how you feel, rather than just being concerned about counting calories, losing weight, or how you look, is the real secret to successful, long term weight loss.
Jan, I don’t know if this will help, but I hope so. It’s helped me. Be kind to yourself. When you really feel like eating something you know you should’nt and you give in, just eat it, slowly, and enjoy every mouthful. Don’t feel guilty. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just really promise yourself, and mean it, say it out loud after you’ve finished, that you will get back on track straight away…most importantly, don’t look back. 🙂
Hi Lynda,
Thanks for sharing and chiming in!
I agree with your tips to Jan. Never be hard on yourself!!
Take care,
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn
I totally agree with you but it just seems to be a constant battle and I find it impossible to find my “even keel”. I lost 12 kg at Weight Watchers which was an awesome programme and got me back on track with what to eat and portions size etc, but I have never really learned how to deal with the emotional eating side of things. So consequently 4 kg have found themselves back and I just don’t have it in me to “diet” anymore. I don’t want to count calories or points I’m just over it all! However,you can’t just eat what you want to. It is just a constant battle. So maybe some of your readers have some clues!
I have done the cabbage soup diet as well, and like Zengirl I lasted one day – boy I had a big pot to throw out!
Hi Jan,
Eating more of what’s good for you and eating less of what’s bad for you is probably the best way to overcome your battle.
Thanks for chiming in and sharing!
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn
You are right of course. And thanks Lynda – yes being kind to yourself – that’s exactly the comment I have on my Home page! Just shows, we don’t always take our own advice and need to be reminded now and again.
Hey Jan,
So true! A gentle reminder is always good. 😉
Take care,
Evelyn
Thanks Evelyn, and you’re welcome Jan. Don’t worry, you’re on the right track. To quote Richard Bach “We teach what we most need to learn.” 🙂
I agree Evelyn, about eating more of the good and less of the bad. As I always say, it’s what you eat MOST of the time that counts.
Take care
Lynda
So many people I know try to lose weight by dieting, but they leave out other parts of being healthy, such as exercising and not drinking as much alcohol. And actually eating healthy food instead of eating less. There’s too much focus on dieting, I think.
Hi Liz!
You’re right! Eating healthy foods is the best way to go.
Thanks for sharing and stopping by!
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn,
This is for all. Keep away from fried food especially deep-fried, as it contains a lot of fat. However, although fish and chicken are considered to be far leaner than beef, these white meats can retain even more fat than beef if it is fried. It is recommended that those on a strict diet choose grilled food, since it does not contain much fat after the food has been prepared.
Hi HB,
Great tips! You’re right, there is still just as much fat in the white meats as it is red meats.
Thanks for sharing!
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn,
I so agree, fad diets are made popular by some famous celebrities and I admit, I had tried in past. Cabbage soup diet, I went off in day, it was that bad!
I think life style change to eat healthy and exercise always works but I need some boost again, as it is easy to fall in to bad eating habits, specially when in run with kids.
Preeti
Hey Preeti,
I once worked with a lady who seemed like she was always doing the Cabbage soup diet. She was tiny, and I never understood why she was doing that diet. I’ve never tried it, but she swore by it.
Yes, life style changes help a lot. I can relate with the kids situation. 😉
Take care,
Evelyn