Posts Tagged ‘weight loss’

I can guarantee that this post will be my highest ranking post since I set up the site in July.
That’s because SO MANY people are overweight and are at the end of their tether with it and that’s because SO MANY people have tried to lose weight SO MANY times and failed AND that’s because they have been sucked in to SO MANY ridiculous ‘lose weight fast’ theories and they’re all BOLLOCKS!! Well actually, people can and do lose weight quickly but 99% of the time  it re-appears twice as quick and twice as much sending them back to square one with twice the problem. A totally soul destroying feeling.

Now, take a breath. I’m going to hit you with the truth straight up so you can get on with the rest of your life ‘without delusion’. 

It takes time to lose weight permanently.

There, you’ve read it and as soon as you accept it you’re half way there, perhaps even three quarters of the way there. Seriously.

This is one area I specialise in and I specialise in it because I have lived it – both ways. I was on the high stress lose weight fast roller coaster for about 20 years then I got smart and got off. I then got on the low stress long term weight loss train and I choofed along over a reasonable period and lost over 20 kilos. Yee-haa!

So what about you? Do you want/need to lose weight?
If yes, you must start by choosing whether you’re going to get on the ‘fast and furious roller coaster’ or the ’steady and smooth choo-choo train’.
It’s a crucial decision.  

Please, I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts on this. You may just help someone else make the right decision.

PS. I’m here if you need support with your weight loss journey. Email me:  jo@urbansmiler.com

Spring has sprung and so has ‘weight loss fever’.

The month of October is always the biggest month for weight loss related enquiries at my workout studio. About 88% of these enquiries are women and they all want to lose their unwanted kilos in a quarter of the time it took for them to gain them. Ba – bowwww….this is instant failure.

I can’t think of one person who has lost weight quickly and kept it off nor can I recall anyone who has gone on a restrictive diet andor a high intensity exercise regime and felt happier or healthier for it. It always seems to end with a sad face mouthing the words “bugger it’, I couldn’t care less if I look like a hippo”.

I hate seeing people sad because of their weight. I lived life as miserable fatty for years so I know what it feels like and I know the nasty thoughts that create that sadness.  I also know what it feels like to lose weight quickly then put it all back on plus a bit more, I did it plenty of times! It took me years to realise I wasn’t being fair and kind to myself so I changed my thinking and behaviour and am now proud to say I am a ‘happy weight manager’. Here’s what I think about being overweight and about weight loss and weight management:

• If you are in an unhealthy weight range you should lose weight for ‘health reasons’. ‘Health reasons’ encompass everything to do with your wellbeing; physical, mental and emotional.
• The most important factor in long term weight management is ’self esteem’, this is because self esteem fosters self care and when you truly care for your health and well being you will make sure  your lifestyle supports it. 
• Losing excess weight permanently is only possible by making permanent changes to the way you value your health. 
• The best strategy for most people on the planet is to eat a bit less and move a bit more whilst continuing to live happy and fulfilling life.
• The mantra, exercise, eat well and think good thingsis a simple and practical approach to weight management and life in general. Since committing to this mantra I have lost over 20 kilos and the fluctuations since have been minimal.
• If you do needto lose weight make a long term commitment to it and to being positive about the changes it will bring.
• Remember small steps lead to great things – you will achieve your goal by doing little things everyday in support of it. 
• If you are negatively affected by the air brushed images of ‘perfect bodies’ in gossip magazines DON”T BUY THEM!

Losing weight is not a mountainous project that warrants deprivation and high stress. It’s just like managing your finances, it requires a bit of dicipline but does not mean you can’t enjoy yourself.

Now, I must do my workout so I can balance out the indulgences I enjoyed over the weekend. 

Smiler.

Most people love to eat and clearly, by the frightening number of overweight and obese people around the world a lot of people over-eat. It is a problem but thankfully, as John Lennon taught us, “there are no problems, only solutions” so if you’re an over-eater today is the day to do something about it . PLEASE READ and APPLY:-

5 tips for over-eaters

1. Be accountable. No one can curb your over-eating habit except you. No diet program, life coach or therapist can actually stop you from putting food/drink in to your mouth. They are there to encourage and support you but it is your responsibility to say ’I've had enough’. Becoming accountable is THE most important step in this process.

2. Understand why. If you have serious over-eating issues it’s important to understand why. When you understand the triggers you can be compassionate but firm with your response to them. I highly recommend you enlist the support of someone experienced in this field because there may be a few difficult issues you need to work through to be able to manage the triggers. 

3. Think good things. Just like any other addict, habitual over-eaters think they’re going to miss out on something if they don’t stuff themselves silly at every meal/snack time. If this is you then you need to make a shift in mind set and look at all the good things NOT overeating will bring. More energy, better self esteem > a healthier & happier you. Focus on the good, write them down, read them often, repeat them silently to yourself, say them out loud, sing them –  whatever you like - just commit to them everyday.

4. Exercise. Everyday! Even if it’s only a 10 minute walk, please do something. This is a habit you need to cultivate and maintain for the rest of your life. Ideally you’ll include a strength workout a couple of times per week as well as daily walking/cycling/swimming etc but again, it’s crucial to get the right person/people to make sure you’re working out safely and effectively.

5. Eat well. Do not buy junk food to keep in the house ever again. Junk food needs to be seen as an ‘occasional treat’ – once or twice a month. Stock your fridge and cupboards with healthy food and learn how to love it. Learn how to shop for it, prepare it and eat it. There are plenty of people out there who can help you with this if it seems momentous to you. You’ll feel amazing when you eat well consistantly. You’ll feel lighter in body and stronger in mind which will help to keep you accountable – see #1!

 The Sum Up:  Being accountable will develop self respect and when you respect yourself you won’t overeat.

God I love simple solutions!!

 Keep smiling.  x