The Magic Switch
Sometimes our emotions make that magic switch from no real focus on food, mindless snacks and very little activity to watching portions, rare or little extra snacks and regular exercise.
How do we get there? I'm convinced it doesn't just happen; those who find that focus bring themselves to the cusp of making everything happen and then they begin to see weight loss occurring on a consistent basis.
As I watch myself and others, we are certainly trying but are usually just not quite there, which leads to frustration. However, as we continue to think and try and ask, "Why do I want to lose weight?" there will come a day where we just do it.
For one client it was the day she wanted to have her nails done, and bent over and couldn't take her socks off. "That's it", "That's enough of excuses". She began preparing her breakfasts and lunches for the next day at work; she stopped her night snacks, joined a gym and got a personal trainer. Now she feels so much better. Weight is dropping, energy is better and she is feeling good about herself.
We know what to do, but many things hold us back. It could be work stress, home stress, 'fatigue', injury, poor sleep or a multitude of things. In the end, however, we cannot allow these things to be our excuse for not trying. Actually in spite of all these things, we would have more energy if we simply tracked our foods and made ourselves do some form of exercise on a daily basis.
You must always work on your reason 'why'. If that is not strong, we drift. When the urge to snack in the evening hits, ask yourself 'why do I want to lose weight?' Are these snacks which are admittedly gratifying, going to make me feel better or worse in the morning? Usually worse, because we will blame ourselves for this emotional setback.
Of all the things we can do, I find that making sure we get daily activity helps clear our mind and helps us be more decisive about the foods we choose. In spite of the cold weather, go for a short walk at noon and enjoy the sunshine. There is no reason not to do this. At the end of the day, we are somewhat drained and it's dark, and we are much less likely to walk. Take the stairs, walk the hallways, stand more; force yourself to be just a bit more active.
If there was one habit I would wish we could all control would be those mindless evening snacks (or in the case of a lot of people, the snacking they do from the time they come home till supper). Get out of the kitchen if you can, read a book, walk on the treadmill if you have one; do something that will keep your mind off the snacks in the cupboard or fridge.
Remember, that to become much healthier does not necessarily mean you have to lose a lot of weight. The dangerous fat is the visceral fat, so aim to lose 2 inches off your belly. That alone can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, stroke and many more metabolic disorders.
Be patient. Work every day on the "why" till that magic switch occurs and you find yourself in control of food and wanting to exercise daily.
The real magic is in never giving up. The journey is lifelong. You can do it. I know you can.
Dr. Doug