April 24, 2017

Staying on Track

We all know that we can’t rely on willpower. It only works when your mind and body are willing to do it. We live in a society of instant gratification. Now-a-days you can go on your lunch break, lay on a table and someone will wave that magic wand and presto you have a flat tummy, bigger butt and anything else without breaking a sweat. While others are putting in work; carving out time in their already busy schedule to workout, prepping their meals on the weekend and packing lunches to stay on track. After a week of staying on track you are excited to see how much you have lost and when you step on that scale, look down you think your eyes are playing a trick on you, so you step off to try this again. This time when you step on that scale you just stand for a second then you look down, nope your eyes are not playing with you, you’ve lost half a pound. Trust me, I know that feeling, disappointment, frustration even appalled. You are working hard, doing your part but it seems like it’s all for nothing. You start questioning yourself. What am I even doing this for? How do I stay motivated? Well, no worries I got you. Here are a few things that will keep you motivated in those dark times.

Remember your why – When you started this journey you had a goal, a reason why you were doing this. (If you don’t you may want to get on that). Take a time out and just think about the reason you started this journey. Was it to be able to run a 5k or lower your cholesterol? Whatever is your why, focus on that. Go back to your reason and remember why you started. Think of all the benefits that comes with you reaching your goal.

Your Crew – When you surround yourself with people who are working out and eating well they will keep you motivated. Even when you don’t feel like going to the gym today and you ask your friend if they want to go eat, they won’t be able to hang out right after work because they have to go the gym. You might as well go too. However, if you are the only one who is trying to live that healthy life, it gets difficult to go workout when everyone you know just don’t feel like it. But if you had a friend to call or know you are meeting someone at the gym it makes it easier. Remember that old saying “Birds of a feather flock together”? Like-minded people stick together and support each other.

Reward yourself – It is important to acknowledge your dedication to staying on track even if you only lost half a pound. You put in the work, you deserve a reward. It doesn’t have to be anything big. It could be something as small as a gold sticker on your calendar every Friday you complete your workout week. Imagine, you glance at your calendar and see stars. You are not only going to feel great but also elated that you accomplished your task.

Staying motivated can be done many ways but by staying focused, surrounding yourself with like-minded people and rewarding your hard work you are on your way to achieving your goal!

Get more info about Elizabeth Colen, Confidence Coach on http://www.MsFitOne.com.  Fit Mind, Fit Body and Fit Spirit. 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook
July 20, 2016

Weight Management is a Marathon, Not a Sprint!

Have you noticed that weight seems to be a favorite topic that, one way or another, has a way of always popping up in conversations, publications, television programs, commercials, and the like?    Whether it’s gaining weight, losing weight, fad diets, new food, the perfect exercise program, or new exercise gadget, weight and it’s management is a marathon and not a sprint.

Let’s face it, the struggle to maintain a healthy weight is real for many of us!

In fact, the CDC reports that now 41% of all US women are obese, and only women show an upward trend. Furthermore, studies show once you lose weight, it’s very hard to keep it off.

 It’s a real pleasure to introduce you to Dr. Scott Kahan, MD, MPH, Director of the National Center for Weight and Wellness, and an expert on weight management, who says finding a support network is key. “Patients are more likely to achieve progress when, in collaboration with their healthcare network, they have opportunities to discuss treatment options, establish plans, monitor results and evaluate responses to the plans,” says Dr. Kahan.

For me, the challenge is often just getting started! Dr. Kahan came to the rescue with some great tips to follow before you begin a weight loss plan!!  If you heed Dr. Kahan’s advice and tips below, it will help to get you in the right frame of mind!

 TIP #1) Approach weight management as a marathon, not a sprint. A recent study shows that most people go through several phases during the cycle of weight management, some of which are exciting and associated with having lots of energy and momentum, while others are frustrating, such as the dreaded “plateau.”  Just like any marathon, there are ups and downs, and we should expect this and build our approach to managing it. 

[Click Live Link below by IMAGE to view the attached image developed , based on the study results, to help people understand the Weight-Loss Cycle.]

TIP #2) Set realistic expectations. Several studies show that we typically go into weight loss attempts expecting wildly more weight loss than what is realistic. One study showed people starting a basic weight loss program expected 20-30% weight loss, more than is typical with bariatric surgery!  In contrast, we know that as little as 3% weight loss improves blood sugar, and 5-10% weight loss improves most health outcomes and helps you feel good.

TIP#3) Understand that weight maintenance is something that will continue. Weight loss cycles between momentum and fatigue, excitement and frustration. We need to build an approach to managing each of these phases during the long process of weight maintenance.

IMAGE: Weight loss cycle w_caption-1

These are terrific, Dr. Kahan. Thank you so very much for the helpful weight management advice!

(Quoted and Paraphrased information in this article was obtained from Press Materials.)

 

SHARE THIS POST ON: Facebook