What Mom didn’t tell you about successful weight loss
Weight management and body reshaping is my lifelong passion.
And the body reshaping industry is a million dollar business.
Don’t believe me? Just do a Google search and see what turns up.
The body reshaping that I’m passionate about is not done with knives! It’s through sheer determination, belief and grit.
Apart from the science of our body, what goes on in our heads plays an equally important role.
Let’s address a couple of stories that rolls in our heads to ensure a successful quest in reducing our weight and hopefully reshaping our bodies.
1. You Can’t Hurry It
Weight management is not achieved overnight even though that’s the dream of many. Truth is, big change takes a time. Depending on how far you’ve to go and what you want to accomplish, a body transformation might take years.
You need to realise that it’s going to take a lot more than you think. It’s challenging physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s going to require a total change in lifestyle that takes time to implement. New habits take 66 to form, in case you’re not aware.
2. Progress and Sustainability
Your diet is not a quick nor temporary fix. The journey of weight management has no end. That explains why unsustainable eating, such as skipping meals or avoiding carbs is not a long term solution. In fact, it does more harm to your body than you know and it may even result in weight gain in the long term.
It’s important to recognise all the small wins, such as improved stamina and fitness or clothes getting a little loose. These are worth celebrating and acknowledging even though you have not achieved the ultimate goal of losing 5 kg, for example. Acknowledge how far you’ve come and keep going.
3. Don’t Deprive Yourself
It’s not about depriving yourself the opportunity to dine out with friends or the occasional glass of wine. It’s about moderation. If you’re just starting out then commit to a 60- or 90-day plan diligently. You can cut yourself some slack thereafter, but only for a limited time. If you’re still short of your goal, commit to another 60- or 90-day plan.
Not having a sense of urgency when it comes to change can hold you back from making real progress. Once you’re committed to making a lasting change and losing fat for good, you must believe that every choice matter. I’m not talking about the occasional treats or missing the odd workout once in a while. I’m talking about the day-to-day consistency and work that must be done to see results. Don’t procrastinate taking action either.
4. Be Empowered with Knowledge
Many women are obsessed with the number they see on the scale. Honestly, I’d always assure my new clients that I’m not interested in the first number I see. What I’m after is what’s the weight made up of, the percentage of body fat and skeletal muscles; the visceral (or organ) fat; and the body age.
Another thing about our weight, it fluctuates from day-to-day based on hormones, water, workouts and many other factors. So, it’s not always the best measure of success. Sometimes, my clients are surprised when I show them photographs they had taken at the beginning of their programme and midway through the programme. A picture speaks a thousand words.
5. Mindfulness
This one seems so simple and logical and we often miss it. Everybody is over-worked and under-rested these days. They work long hours and sometimes sleep very little. It’s no wonder that most feel lethargic by late afternoon. Their bodies are crying out for attention but to no avail.
We need to address our relationship with food too. Before you eat something. Stop. Breathe. Close your eyes. Do you really need that food or are you filling some other void? If you’re bored or restless in the evenings, do you grab something from the fridge and wolf it down without even noticing it? You’ll need to work on being mindful of how full you are and what emotions you’re really feeling. This will help you learn to stop eating before it’s too much.
This is not a conclusive list though it’s a start. Learn to cut yourself some slack and stop beating yourself up.
Recognise and acknowledge the progress you’ve made.
If you keep focussing on the shortfall in results, you’ll soon loss the motivation to carry on.
Remember, everything is created twice, first in your head then in reality.
If you cannot believe that you’re going to achieve your goal, don’t blame anybody for eventual result. Your external world is a reflection of your internal world.
I’m offering a free body composition analysis if you’re residing in Singapore. Simply leave me your name and contact details here and I’ll be in touch.
Note: This post was first published in The Woman of Influence. Reprinted with permission.
With Love & Blessings
Break the Rules and Shine! Adeline Heng empowers women over 40 who look good outside, yet feel empty inside, to find herself and live her best life.