You want to be fit. You know how much you should weigh. You know your ideal pant size. You can even picture how great those skinny jeans will look.So why aren’t you living life in your ideal body?There are many complex reasons that make weight loss a challenge, reasons that go deeper than simply calories-in versus calories-out.There are life issues that get in the way of success.The following are five obstacles and suggested solutions to unlock your best body ever.1. We don’t want to be bothered.It’s in our DNA to avoid pain and seek out pleasure. Unfortunately, this works against us when trying to get fit. In your mind, it’s painful (or at least uncomfortable) to deny yourself the tasty food you crave and to exert yourself with exercise.There’s a simple way to work around this obstacle: Find something painful about being overweight to motivate yourself toward healthy eating and exercise. Focus on the negative impact your current weight has on your health, self-esteem and lifestyle. Convince yourself that the pain of being out of shape is much greater than the discomfort of losing weight.2. We don’t want to wait for the good stuff.Just as we wish to avoid pain, we are also experts in seeking out pleasure – namely food. This served the cavemen well, but these days it ends up as extra pounds around your waist and thighs.There’s good news: Extra calories are not the only option to stimulate the pleasure center of your brain. Find an activity or two that make you smile and indulge in those regularly.
- A walk outside
- A good book
- A night out to the movies or theater
- A spa day
You can also retrain your brain to crave the pleasure of exercise-induced endorphins. Talk about weight gain kryptonite!
3. We are crazy busy.Let’s face it, we work too much, commit ourselves to do too much and don’t get enough sleep most of the time. The fast-paced way we live leaves us exhausted, stressed and hungry for comfort food. We feel too busy to take care of our health.It’s time to reprioritize. Let go of your perfectionist standards and remove a few commitments from your schedule so that you are able to cook healthy meals, exercise and get a good night’s sleep. Remind yourself that taking care of your health is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.
4. We don’t deserve it.Many people act like they don’t deserve to live the good life in the body of their dreams. Take a moment to think back on all the times you have sabotaged weight loss efforts. If you don’t believe deep down that you are worthy, then you’ll never give yourself a chance at a fit body.Everyone deserves to have a healthy body, and I urge you to dig deep down to uncover why you don’t. Once you conquer your feelings of unworthiness, getting on an exercise and healthy eating plan will be easy.Take the time to take care of yourself. You DO deserve it.
5. We are afraid.We’re afraid to start because we just might fail, and wouldn’t that be embarrassing? We’re also afraid to start because we just might succeed, and change makes us uncomfortable – even if it’s change in the right direction.When you decide to get fit, you will need to go through a bushel of changes:
- New diet
- New exercise routine
- New friends at the gym
- New clothes
- New self-image
Focus on all of the ways that losing weight will make your life better. Envision that better life every day so it goes from being new and scary to familiar and comfortable.
RECIPE OF THE MONTHHealthy Chocolate ShakeWhat is better than a creamy chocolate shake? A creamy chocolate shake without the guilt! You won’t miss the fat and refined sugar as you slurp up this tasty treat.Servings: 2
Ingredients:2 bananas, frozen1/2 cup nonfat milk2 scoops chocolate whey protein2 tablespoons raw almond butterdash of ground cinnamon2 cups iceThrow everything into a high speed blender; blend until smooth and creamy.Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals 292 calories, 7g fat, 33g carbohydrate, 7g fiber, and 25g protein.
– David Corder NSCA-CPTwww.perfectfitwc.com
