The clock just clicked to 12:01 AM on 01/01/08. Happy New Year! For many people, this will mark the start of a plan to lose weight. Well it is time to get rid of your panicked, high-stress, rushed approach to weight loss. If you want lasting results, you best choice is to take the slow train. Forget fast and furious weight loss. Instead make your goal to live healthy and with peace.
There is so much more to weight loss than just diet and exercise. My hope is to inspire you to make the weight loss process an enjoyable way of life, not a hardship period of your life. This article will cover the five areas that are critical to your success: healthy eating, physical activity, support systems, stress reduction, and motivation.
Healthy Eating
There are many good weight loss programs out there. Go into any bookstore today and many of them will be featured. The best ones will teach you how to eat healthy for life by choosing mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and good fats such as olive oil. Here are some of the best books out there:
- Volumetrics
by Barbara J. Rolls
- The Best Life Diet
- You on a Diet
Support Systems
There are many kinds of support that can help you with your quest to choose healthier habits. The key is to surround yourself with as many support systems as you need. There is the emotional support that can come from loving friends and family. You can seek out a diet coach in a therapist or life coach. A great support program is Weight Watchers. For people who have trouble controlling their eating, there is Overeaters Anonymous. A good book that deals with the issue of emotional eating is The 3 Day Solution Plan
by Laurel Mellin. So when you are mapping out your weight loss plan, be sure to include support. Incorporate it into your daily and weekly routines.Stress Reduction
Your weight loss plan should include activities that help reduce stress such as meditation, yoga, qi gong, or anything else that helps you to let go of worry, anxiety, and stress. Why is this so important? Because chronic stress causes your body to create too much of a hormone called cortisol. Too much of this hormone keeps your appetite stimulated and also raises glucose production. Your body converts excess glucose into fat, which is usually stored in the midsection for access to quick energy. Reducing stress will reduce cortisol which will in turn reduce the factors causing your to eat and store more fat than you need. And just think, all it takes is sitting quietly in a chair. How's that for an easy weight loss activity?
Physical Activity
The best exercise plan is one that you will do consistently. So walking everyday for 30 minutes will fit the bill. For those with major time constraints, 3 X 10-minute walks gives the same benefit as one 30 minute walk. Over time if you can add in these elements you will increase your health, strength, and ability to maintain a healthy weight: aerobic activity, strength training, stretching, balancing, and deep breathing. Here is a link to more information on the 5 areas of physical activity for health. Exercise should be something you look forward to. Use music. Incorporate fun activities like dancing, touch football, soccer, tennis, or anything that makes you feel good. And then commit to doing it everyday, rain or shine, for 30 minutes.
Motivation
When all is said and done, you'll want to cultivate and maintain a strong motivation level. Here is an article on how to keep your motivation high for the long haul. In a nutshell, stay focused on the benefits of completing your goal. Have them written down and place reminders in key areas such as your kitchen table. Have a plan that you will follow and seek out help from others. Keep a journal of your progress and remember that this is a long term life change. Do this for your health and the physical improvements will take care of themselves. Love yourself today and enjoy the journey.
Please share your weight loss success tips in the comments!
Written by K. Stone of Life Learning Today.
