Friday, January 10, 2014

Weight Loss - A Self Improvement Project

Weight loss is a billion dollar industry that has the same elements as any self improvement or self help program. The thought process between losing weight and self improvement are very similar and follow the same path. The only difference is the subject matter. A person decides that something needs to be changed, identifies the reason for the change and finds a way to make the change.

The reason for self improvement or losing weight is the driving force that determines the level of commitment to achieving the goal. It doesn't matter whether the change is weight loss or another type of self improvement. If a person is not committed to the project and does not follow a dedicated program to achieve his or her goals, any gain will be short lived.

So, what do you need if you are thinking about a program to lose weight?

1. Think about the reason you want to lose weight. There are as many reasons as there are people in weight loss programs. your reason could be to get into a new pair of jeans or look better on the beach. Many people try to lose weight for health reasons (to control your blood pressure or reduce your chloestorol). There has to be a compelling reason that makes you willing to make the changes needed for a long-lasting improvement. If you don't have a good reason, the results will be short-lived.

2. As with permanent self improvement changes, You have to realize that permanent weight loss requires some king of lifestyle change. At a minimum, you may have to change your diet and/or eating habits. You can't expect to achieve a permanent loss if you use a program to lose weight and then go back to your old habits. Your old habits are what got you here in the first place. Keep the new habits that helped you get the benefits you wanted.

3. It is essential to establish a plan of some kind. Your weight loss goals may be reached with a change in your diet or eating habits. Many times, it is not what you eat, but how much you eat that makes a difference in your weight.

The old saying "You are what you eat" has some bearing on your weight. If your weight loss is more significant, you may have to include some kind of exercise in your program. The metabolism must be changed to achieve real and permanent weight loss. If you want to make significant changes in your appearance, you should consult with your doctor and find out if there are any underlying medical conditions that would change the plan.

Weight loss is a billion dollar business. There are many, many commercial plans available and many websites that are devoted to helping people lose weight. You can't watch television without seeing some celebrity pushing this plan or that plan.

They all have several things incommon. They all encourage a lifestyle change in habits and they all work and they all include diet although sometimes you have to buy their food. Most of them include some form of exercise to strengthen and tone the muscles. You can't get six-pack abs just by dieting. It takes hard and consistent work. If you can afford a commercial program, this might be the way to go.

4. Set some goals. Having an end result goal is great, but you should set some weekly or monthly goals that show progress toward your ultimate goal. Without visible progress, you will get discouraged and it will be hard to stay focused on your weight loss program.

The goals don't always have to be a number of pounds lost. You might try using something more visible, such as loosing a dress size, getting into a pair of jeans as your short term or long term goal. You might try to stay on the stationary bike ten minutes longer or climb two flights of stairs without getting winded as a goal. The point is you have to have something that shows that you are making progress.

5. Set the plan in motion and figure out how you are going to achieve your goals. You may need to find a place to get some guidance and help in your weight loss program. Local YMCA/YWCA's usually have equipment available and may offer instruction for a small nominal fee.

There are lots of commercial gyms available that have equipment and instructors that can help you set up a plan. My greatest success came through a weight training class at a community college. In fact, it was so successful that I took it three quarters in a row. Where you get the help is not as important as consistency

6. Get some support from your family and friends. Self improvement and weight loss results are sometimes easier to get if other people are helping and encouraging you along the way. Most people start and try to stay on a diet alone. Sometimes it works, but usually the diet goes quietly by the wayside. All the commercial programs have a system in place that provides support and encouragement that is needed to achieve permanent changes. Your support group should include your family, friends and co-workers. These groups have more daily contact with you and will have a direct or indirect influence on your success.

Losing weight loss is a self-improvement goal. To lose weight permanently, you have to make changes in your diet and lifestyle. Old habits have to be dropped and new habits formed. There is no other way. Don't give up, go at it carefully, avoid crash diets and find a way to lose weight permanently.

If you've read this far down this article, you must have some interest in the subject. Visit weightlossdiettips101 to get more information about permanent weight loss. What you think about this subject and what type of information you like to see on such a website is important. Please, leave a comment and help me out.

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