Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
***This post is a collaboration and may contain affiliate links. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than two-thirds of Americans are considered to be overweight or obese. It is also consistently reported by many sources that up to 95% of people who lose weight gain it back. I knew this number would be high, but I was honestly shocked by how high. Of course, there is a multitude of reasons why weight loss isn’t more successful than it is. Though I don’t have all the answers, here are what I believe to be 3 major keys to lasting weight loss.
Keys to Lasting Weight Loss #1: Skip the Miracle Fad Diets
It’s so easy to get tempted to try a miracle fad diet or even slimming pills to lose weight fast. We’re bombarded by skinny models to illustrate how you could look if you do this or that diet. Unfortunately, it’s usually not real or even vaguely representing actual results. Yes, these diets can help you to drop some weight quickly but are not meant to be sustained for long periods of time. In fact, they can actually slow your metabolism and cause rapid weight gain after you go off of them. I’m not saying that you should never do a quick fat release diet, but be careful. Understand what your body needs and don’t do anything that makes you feel bad or causes adverse symptoms.
There are healthy ways to reduce bloating, water weight, and even fat. Do research on what type of diet suits your situation and always consult your physician before doing anything.
Keys to Lasting Weight Loss #2: Get Medical Help
With the popularity of reality TV shows that chronical the journeys of obese patients, you know there are medical options to initiate weight loss. Though weight loss surgery is not for everyone, there are other ways your doctor can help you. If you struggle with losing or keeping weight off, you could have a hormone imbalance. Your doctor can order specific lab tests that help to diagnose any issues. Many of these imbalances can be helped with a dietary change and/or medication. You may also simply be experiencing a metabolism lag from years of poor eating.
Keys to Lasting Weight Loss #3: Get Your Head in the Game
Being in a poor mental or emotional state can certainly cause you to gain weight. It can also prevent your efforts to keep it off from being effective. Depression and anxiety, especially, can cause emotional eating and a sort of “I don’t care” attitude. Staying healthy and fit is a long-term commitment that takes a positive attitude and perseverance.
A therapist or coach may be able to help you cope with any lingering emotional trauma or pain. Clearing these things will enable you to move forward with your weight loss goals. Alternative therapies, like hypnotherapy and acupuncture, may also help you to stay consistent with your weight and diet.
Keys to Lasting Weight Loss #4: Change Your Lifestyle
Being healthy and whole should always be your first priority. Weight loss comes naturally when you give your body what it needs and take away that which it doesn’t. This is a simple concept, but it’s profound. Changing your lifestyle once and for all is a bridge that leads to being at your ideal weight for the rest of your life. Don’t get me wrong, just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. True change takes work and practice. You will mess up. Hell, I mess up, too! Remember, it’s not what you do once that hurts you, it’s what you do all the time.
Adopting a lifestyle of consistent movement, eating healthy food; limiting or eliminating alcohol, nicotine, drugs, caffeine, and keeping a positive mindset will ultimately pay off. Your weight may always fluctuate some, but you can keep it in check by focusing on true health.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your health care provider. Women’s lifelink, it’s owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
