Here’s the thing, we see a lot of people that want to lose weight and lose it fast. We give them all the tools and techniques, but as soon as it takes too long for their taste they become frustrated and give up or they move on to the next form of exercise. It’s something we hate to see, because staying committed to boot camp and a healthy diet will get you results, but you need to lose that weight in a healthy and safe way.
That’s why we want to explain to you guys why weight loss can be a difficult process, because we want to alleviate some of that frustration you might be experiencing.
So, it’s been a few months since you started this whole weight-loss thing. You realize now that in the beginning you were naive. The journey to lose weight is a lot harder than you thought it would be. Advertisements and weight-loss products make big promises and show the end results, but don’t tell you about the sweat and tears that take place behind the scenes. We’ve seen both, weight loss can be an emotional thing, and it’s so beautiful when you see it through to the end.
You’ve been following the rules, eating right, and trying to exercise. Yes, you’ve lost some weight but not as much as you expected. When you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle and losing, don’t give up. It may be a long battle, but it is definitely one you can win.
Losing weight and keeping it off isn’t easy. Here are a few reasons why.
Change Is Hard
Weight loss takes more than cutting out sweets and getting a gym membership for a year. It’s requires you to change your lifestyle. Change does not come easily nor does it happen overnight—especially when you’ve been eating and living a certain way your whole life. Losing weight takes time and determination.
That’s why we’re so big about promoting a regimen. When you join the Fit Family we show you how to be fit for life because we want you to have that freedom of knowing that you will get those results and keep them forever.
Wondering what lifestyle changes you may need to make to reach your weight loss goals? Consider the following:
Stop eating out for lunch. Yes, we know it’s convenient, but you’re just hurting yourself in the end. Instead, wake up early and pack yourself something healthy, that way you won’t be tempted to spend your money on food that will hurt you. If you don’t think you’ll be able to do this try planning out all your lunches for the week in advance! Same goes for dinner. If you know you’ll be too tired to make yourself something good for you plan in advance, or consider reevaluating your schedule. Too much stress can actually aid weight gain, so don’t let yourself become too overwhelmed.
Veg out on the couch every evening? You need to make physical activity part of your routine. At Fit Body Boot Camp we have an accountability system in place that’s meant to keep our Family members in line with their goals. Make yourself accountable, tell people about your fitness goals, or find people that will keep you motivated not to fail.
Food’s Not the Problem
For many people, food is a way of dealing with negative emotions and past hurts. Eating the foods you love can bring comfort and distraction when you’re feeling depressed, stressed, or bored. Because it can be difficult to break out of this habit, many people never do. But by being aware and learning new coping mechanisms (exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques) you can overcome your addiction to food.
This is why you need to find something to replace this food habit, or any bad habit for that matter. Exercise is one way people cope with stress in their lives. Maybe you can find a hobby that suits you, or join a club of some sort. Whatever it is, find another outlet for your stress so you’re not eating too many late-night snacks right before bed.
Fad Diets Don’t Work
Liquid diets, over-the-counter supplements, and fad diets have two things in common: they don’t work and they harm your metabolism. Yes, you may lose weight initially, but the weight will return as soon as you eat a normal diet. Severely restricting your calorie intake sends your metabolism into starvation mode. Your body begins to hold onto the very fat cells you’re trying to lose, saving them for future energy. When you eat normally again, what happens? Your body still tries to hold on to extra calories. Thus begins a lifetime of yo-yo dieting.
When a diet plan sounds too good to be true, it is. Nothing replaces portion control, a balanced diet, and regular exercise for slow, steady, healthy weight loss.
It Takes More than Exercise
Physical activity is essential for lasting weight loss, health, and well-being, but it’s only part of the equation. You can’t expect to lose weight through exercise alone. It’s hard enough to burn that many calories, let alone burn that many on top of a poor diet. We always tell people that “You can’t out train a bad diet.”
Diet, in fact, has more of an effect on weight loss than exercise. So watch what you eat, limit your portions, keep a food journal, prepare you own meals, and enjoy small indulgences every once in a while.
It’s Complicated
Yes, weight loss is about diet and exercise, but science is discovering it’s about a lot more than that. Each person’s body is its own unique combination of hormones, gut bacteria, metabolism, and blood sugar. This means that what works for one person won’t necessarily work for another. That’s why we always offer personalized training for every person, because every person is unique and needs different routines for whatever it is they’re trying to accomplish. Even though weight loss may be complicated, it isn’t an excuse to give up. You can do it!