Saturday, 16 November 2013

Weight Loss for Warriors: 5 Tips to Stay On Track

Losing weight is easy, all you have to do is diet and exercise.

WRONG!

Losing weight is just as much as a mental challenge as it is a physical one. It requires stamina, emotional support and rational thinking. It's never JUST 'diet and exercise'. There is more to it. Weight loss is both a mental and physical journey that takes a significant amount of time. 

Stay on track in your weight loss journey with these 5 tips.


1) Love Yourself Unconditionally

Yes, love yourself. Treat yourself with compassion. Loving your own self, loving your body as it is. It might be difficult at first (if you are not used to it). Loving yourself in essence means respecting yourself. Know when you need rest, do not treat your body badly by starving yourself or over restricting. Don't be too hard on yourself if the scale doesn't seem to cooperate.

Many people give up half way because they don't feel or see the results that they want. Losing weight is a process. It takes time. Be kind to yourself as you are kind to others. If compassion doesn't include you, it's incomplete. Yes, discipline is important, but staying sane throughout your weight loss journey is equally as important. That's really the key. That way, you will stay on track and very likely to maintain the weight that you've lost. Overcome that self doubt that you have. Love yourself enough to know that change takes time and doesn't happen overnight.



Learn to let go. Love the body you are in. If you feel uncomfortable in your skin, it's okay to want change. 2kg or even 20kg. Love yourself every step of the weight loss journey.



2) Quit Your Magical Thinking

Accept and understand that no, life doesn't suddenly become a bed of roses when you are thinner. Don't get caught up in the dream of a happy ending, that everything will be solved with weight loss. It's rather a rude awakening, but many slip back into unhealthy habits and gain back the weight because they realized that even being thin, they still had the same amount of problems as they had before when they were carrying the extra kilos.

If you want to change your life, start now. Don't wait to be thin before trying that new fashion style. Don't wait to be thin before asking out that guy you are interested in. Don't wait to be thin before deciding to finally wear that cute bikini top and hang out at the beach with friends. Why must life only begin after you lose weight? Change your mindset. You do not need to be a certain way physically to enjoy life and to live it. Join a dance class! Enjoy the weight loss process!




Find and fall in love at any size



Try something new, you might have hidden talents!



Socialize, there is no reason to hide.



The 'little' black dress is overrated. Don't let your size stop you from looking great. It's okay to get all dolled up even if you haven't reached your target weight.



3) Self Care Will Empower Others

As Robert Kiyosaki would say, 'pay yourself first!'. Or as flight attendants tell us before our flight takes off, 'should there be any flight turbulence, please put on your own oxygen mask first before your child'. There's nothing wrong with putting yourself first.

There is nothing selfish about it. In fact, taking care of yourself will inspire others to treat their own selves better. In addition of course, your health will allow you to help others and be there for others when needed. In the long run really, helping yourself helps others. Win-win.



Love and nourish yourself first. Be around and be in good health to help others with even greater ability now.


4) The Root Of It

Food is no different than drugs in away. Sometimes we use food to self medicate. Why? Usually people overeat because there is an underlying problem. There is a reason behind why people binge, or get addicted to certain types of food. Some eat to fill in the emptiness they feel in life. Some gain weight from depression or physical conditions like hypothyroidism.

Identify the root of the problem. Why are you eating so much? What gap in life are you trying to fill up with food? Was there a bad experience that you are trying to forget? Lift the weight off your shoulders, and the weight will melt off your physique.



It's hard. It's stressful. Some days you feel like giving up or resort to extremes. Try not to hurt yourself in your journey of weight loss. People can be mean or 'mean well'. Find the strength to overcome it. You are never alone. Seek help with online support groups and talking to a therapist or counselor.





Behind all that binge eating and late night grazing is a deep rooted issue. Identify it. Acknowledge it to yourself and make a plan to address the issue.


5) Life Begins At The End of Your Comfort Zone

Go on, step out of the comforts you are used to! It's time to step out of the house, push yourself into the pool and join that zumba class you've always been afraid of! We create boundaries for ourselves, we get comfortable in a certain way of life and most times, we are afraid to cross over it. Our comfort zone, after several efforts stepping outside of it, will eventually get larger.



Why not make losing weight fun?


It's okay to not look your best trying something new. Learn to let go of perfection. Accept that awkward moments are merely part of gaining the life that you want. You'd be surprised how opening one door, will lead to even better doors in future.

Initially, you'll be afraid to start for example, rock climbing. You'd be worried if the ropes can hold your weight, or if for dance, you'd be worried if you don't look good and look awkward. BUT hold on! Don't let go! Don't give up! It is this very discomfort that will make us better people. Better how? You'd learn that for one, anything is possible when you put your mind to it and you'd be surprised at how you managed to overcome the initial fear. Feel the fear, but do it anyways!


Sometimes even putting on a swimsuit and heading for a swim can be a challenge emotionally for some. Break through that negative thinking. Feel the awkwardness. but do it anyway!

Change, like all things, takes time. Getting a degree, or learning a new skill takes time. Why stress yourself out trying to lose weight at lightning speed? Take it day by day. One step at a time. If planning things out helps you stay on track? That's great! BUT if your weight loss doesn't go according to plan, don't fret. Don't beat yourself up. Brush if off, and try again.

Important thing is, be kind to yourself. Start now, start small. Try change one habit every month. You don't have to run out and pay thousands for a gym membership. You can start with a humble yoga mat, a small space and the small but powerful belief that - you may not look good temporarily losing weight, but knowing that with some effort and some time, you can, and you will.



We are our own enemies at times. Make yourself proud. Prove to yourself that you CAN do it. You'd be surprised at how you may even exceed your own expectations! Climb to even greater heights. If you are waiting for a sign, this is it.

Game on.


Namaste
Elirus



source:
http://www.myfitstation.com/2013/04/01/how-to-become-a-badass-warrior-babe-stay-committed-to-your-fitness-goals/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/11/weight-loss-stories_n_4228649.html

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