Getting the body you want takes patience. It involves lifestyle changes, dedication, hard work and discipline. It sounds difficult, and it is, but the effort is worth it.
We live in a world of instant gratification, we want something and we get it. We want things fast, we buy into the latest weight loss fads such as fitness equipment claiming abs in 30 days, slim shakes replacing meals, fat burning pills and detox diets. We now have weight loss shows such as the Biggest Loser, where contestants drop 10 kilos in a week. Fast weight loss is simply not realistic. If you lose weight fast, it is more than often water weight, not fat. Fast weight loss diets also run the risk of muscle mass lose. Something you do not want.
You can’t expect to lose weight over night, when it has taken a lifetime to get your body to where it is at now. There is no quick fix.
Patience is key for long term success. If you put in the effort your efforts will be rewarded. Your body will catch up and display the results of your hard work, and you will feel both mentally and emotionally on top of the world. There is no greater feeling than looking in the mirror and knowing you look great. Don’t give up.
Some things to remember:
- The scales do not always change. That doesn’t mean things are not changing. If you are developing muscle, muscle burns calories at rest. Your metabolism is changing. This is great! Your body is becoming more efficient at burning calories which means a leaner you in the longer term. Look at how your clothes fit; this can often be the best indicator.
- Don’t compare yourself to others. You are not competing with others; you are competing with you only. Some people do gain muscle more easily; some do lose fat more easily. This doesn’t mean you should give up. It just means you have to put in more hard work. Do not complain that this is unfair, life is not always fair, just be the best possible you.
- Look at the whole picture. Your body may be adapting slower then hoped, but look at everything else your gaining. Maybe you can run faster, maybe you are lifting heavier weights, maybe you have more energy, maybe your skin is radiant, isn’t that fantastic and worth celebrating?
- Do not diet, diet are short term. Ever notice the people often talking about the latest diet they are on are not maintaining a healthy weight? Diets promote yoyo weight behaviour. Numerous studies show that a large proportion put the weight back on. Aim long term. It is great to have short term goals, such as losing weight for a wedding, but what happens then? You will just revert back to your old habits. Healthy eating and exercise is a lifestyle. Aim to lose weight for a short term goal, but never stop improving.
Remember, all things are difficult before they become easy.
Originally published on Jan 30, 2012
