You Must Keep Trying

This week a few people were discouraged with their perceived lack of progress. Others didn't exercise because of perceived "lack of time.” The trouble is, both of these go hand in hand. Although we must watch our food intake, it's paramount that we become more active and not allow ourselves the excuse of "no time.”

A summer ago, I started to learn how to use a ‘surf ski.' This is an incredibly tippy water craft, and in competition in the ocean you must jump in and paddle over 5 foot waves and around a course with turbulent water. Most of the first summer was spent just trying to stay inside even in flat water. I called it the "summer of 1000 falls.” This was very discouraging to say the least. Many times I felt I should just give up; my age, my lack of flexibility and balance…all of these worked against me. At the same time I would ask myself "what other options do I have?” I don't want to give up, so I have to just keep trying.

My point here is that I realize, for most of us, trying to eat properly on a daily basis is very frustrating. Maybe, like my kayaking, we have to deal with a 1000 setbacks until things are going well. You must ask yourself: "what other options do I have?” You can quit trying, but at some point you will want to get the weight off and you will have to start again. So don't give up. All of those people who keep attending the clinic, who keep learning new strategies, who are willing to fail yet still keep trying, are always successful. (Even when weight loss feels "slow,” those who keep pushing forward will ultimately be successful - and usually much more able to maintain their weight loss long-term).

On the second note: Time. We all have time. It cannot be an excuse. Our bodies were meant to move, not to sit in front of a computer, or TV or whatever sedentary activity we do - especially in the evening. The busiest people I know seem to find time to fit in 30-60 minutes of walking, cycling, jogging or swimming. This can be early morning, right after work, noon hour or later in the evening.

Don't make time an excuse. Everyone is busy. Force yourself out the door, get to the gym, or simply go downstairs to that treadmill, bike or elliptical and use it. Turn on that exercise DVD – even for 15 minutes. Pick up that resistance band and do 15 bicep curls. Start small and work your way up to higher intensity. Activity will GIVE you energy, not take it away. Activity decreases cravings; it burns calories, it strengthens your heart and lungs, improves mood, and because of this you simply feel better for doing it.

Why is activity so important? Well, beyond all the evidence for reduced heart attack, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis, it is absolutely necessary if anyone has any hope in maintaining weight loss. If we don't develop the habit of exercising now, then weight re-gain is a strong possibility.

We have no other option than to "keep trying.” Quitting gets us nowhere. Don't put unrealistic expectations of a certain number of pounds of weight loss per week. Be happy, simply, that you are trying!

By the way; have I conquered the surf ski? Not by a long shot. The waves I attempted this summer had me bouncing out many, many times. But I won't quit. Somehow I will find a way to develop balance. I just cannot give up.

If you are willing to put in the effort, and not give up, you will succeed.

You can do this!

Dr. Doug