Do You Ever Wonder Why It's Hard To Lose Weight?
Do you like being overweight? No, not many of us do especially when we know it's not good for us. We all have met plenty of people who would love to lose weight, have tried and failed but not many who have succeeded in losing weight and keeping those pounds off to maintain our ideal weight.
But Why is Weight Loss So Difficult?
One reason is that we are programmed to carry fat to make available energy during the lean times and our bodies still stockpile those surplus calories in case of emergency. It is worse for the ladies as they naturally bear up to ten per cent more fat than men. Men’s bodies contain more and heavier muscles.
Ladies have a tendency to put fat around the hips, bottoms and thighs. Believe it or not it is safer to be pear-shaped than apple-shaped as fat deposits around the internal organs increase health risks for both men and women.
How often have we heard people say putting on weight is not their fault, they cannot help it as is in the family genes? And our mental response has probably been to think that this is just another excuse for overeating and yet research now suggests that around a third of us can blame our gene make up. There are medical reasons too for putting on weight such as under active thyroid which causes weight increase. Look out for signs of sluggish behaviour accompanying the weight increase, staring vacantly into space and uncharacteristic lack of interest in things; it could be a thyroid problem.
It is a very strong person who does not give in to temptation and what matters is how we deal with it. After all we are human and have human frailties. If you follow diet plans or weight loss programs that cuts out everything you like it is likely that you will have strong cravings. The trick is to be strong willed, allow yourself that biscuit with your morning coffee but train your mind and body to have one or two and not expect the whole packet!
We are not stupid, we know healthy eating is important just as exercising is so what stops us from doing so? Maybe it is cost, maybe the number of free hours, many reasons that are true reasons and not just excuses.
Let us have a look at tips on how to lose weight fast without pills and the benefits of a healthy diet plan.
No time to exercise at a gym? What about walking to and from work to get exercise. Here is where the “it is not practical” excuse comes in as it is too far to walk but what about a stroll at lunchtime. Think about it, there could be a simple solution.
Only have time to eat microwave meals? There are quick meals to prepare from fresh ingredients, cooks and chefs have jumped onto the bandwagon and released healthy quick meal cook books. It is a lifestyle change and it needs some discipline but it is possible.
From personal experience I know there can be a feeling of guilt when not "clearing your plate". Maybe you are from a background of not enough food to go round or shortages during and after conflicts and it seems criminal to leave food uneaten. Serve up smaller portions and preferably use a smaller dinner plate.
Choosing the wrong role models. Celebrities who lose weight apparently so easily and end up like stick insects are not the best role models. When reading the media praising their efforts just think about the crazy regime they must have subjected their bodies to and the damage they are doing. It is not natural and does not look natural. We are all different, choose a target and look that suits you and is attainable and sustainable.
Comfort food when we have had a bad day or bad experience. We sometimes use food, chocolate or alcohol when we've had a bad day to boost our mood or relieve boredom. Don’t let anyone kid you, this is a difficult one to beat but it is possible with substitution. One of the best ways is to avoid the temptation by getting out into the fresh air and taking a walk to clear you head. Another great way is by listening to a good quality hypnotherapy CD which will relax you and reinforce the changes needed in your thought patterns but do please go for a title by a qualified and trusted hypnotherapist.
You don’t think you have the willpower to maintain a lifestyle change. The solution is probably that you need support and encouragement from other people and joining slimming club might work. There are slimming clubs available online or you may have time to visit your local club.
Steps to success
The important step is recognising that you need to lose weight and making a firm commitment to lose some weight not necessarily quick weight loss.
Set targets but sensible and attainable targets. Write down how much you weigh now, what weight you'd like to be and by what date.
What size dress or trouser waist or you trying to fit into? Add that factor into your targets.
Maybe this sounds too obvious but write down why you are doing this, healthier lifestyle, self esteem or whatever, have something to hand to remind you when times get tough.
The last thing on your list? A reward. If you achieve your targets you deserve a reward, a concert, trip to the cinema, something that makes it worthwhile for you.
Most importantly discover the best way to lose weight for you but before you embark on a drastic new diet and exercise regime have a check up with your doctor.
