Most often, when someone decides to lose weight, they set a really big goal. Sometimes this goal is not realistic, or simply overwhelming. One may think, “I need to lose forty pounds”. Well that’s great, but nobody loses forty pounds overnight, despite the many magazine and television advertisements that seem to portray it this way.
Successful weight loss takes time. The more gradual the weight loss, the more likely the weight loss will be maintained over time. The longer the excess weight stays off, the more it benefits your health. As you complete specific goals that you set, you are gradually achieving the weight loss. If you shift how you view your weight reduction program as one that is a “journey” as opposed to a temporary burden, you will find long-term success.
Numerous studies have shown that these key components to a successful weight loss program: Calorie reduction, regular exercise, support, and self-monitoring. Our programs provide each component. Some individuals are able to do this on their own, but most need some support. Self-monitoring with support will add to your success.
I believe there is a happy place where you can enjoy eating, but still track portions and balance calorie with activity. A fad diet that "forces" you to eat only certain foods, at certain times, cannot be sustained and will not make you happy in the long haul. While it's important to initially become aware of what you are doing and eating, sometimes, thinking about it too much isn't a good thing. There's a study that showed that successful subjects who kept weight off for longer periods reported less effort and attention was required to diet and maintain the weight. Duration of weight loss was associated with greater pleasure of weight maintenance. Could this study suggest that participants actually “thought less” about their weight loss program?
Perhaps they did not obsess about it, but instead just took small steps toward a long-term goal? Often individuals become fixated on the need to lose weight and feeling deprived of foods they enjoy, manifest negative feelings that are associated with the attempt to lose weight. Perhaps individuals who make smaller changes and do not focus on weight loss, but instead on specific goals (to eat more fruit or to walk sixty more minutes a week, for instance) achieve results and feel good about themselves. The Calorie Counter Journal For Dummies® can help you begin setting goals as well.
So when it comes to weight loss, you are in charge. If you choose to lose weight, you can lose weight, when you are ready to do so. Try a registered dietitian nutrition coach to help you achieve your weight loss goals, eat well and keep moving.
P.S. Real Living Nutrition Dietitians are here to help you in your journey! Learn more about our online programs here!
About the author:
Rosanne Rust is a Registered Dietitian and co-author of The Hypertension Cookbook for Dummies, The Glycemic Index Cookbook for Dummies, The Calorie Counter Journal for Dummies and The Restaurant Calorie Counter for Dummies. Learn more about Rosanne and how you can work with her on your own nutrition goals!
