Life can be overwhelming with busy jobs, personal lives, children, pets, and other commitments. Thinking about losing weight or getting healthier can be stressful. We see diet and health commercials wherever we look. What is the right plan for you?
First, I suggest slowing down a little. Take some time for yourself to make a list of your goals. I suggest finding a place with no distractions. I know this is not always easy in our busy lives although this is a must. Maybe your favorite coffee shop or a favorite spot you like to visit. Take a notepad or something to write on.
I would make a list of priorities. For example, maybe you are very healthy and want to get more exercise. Maybe you only want to lose a few pounds. I have shared before that it is extremely important to love yourself at any weight. If you are healthy, fit, and overweight, maybe you do not need a drastic change right now. Take direction from your nurse, dietician, or physician regarding your nutrition and weight goals.
List your goal though. When I did this, at the top of my list was all of my health problems. Type 2 diabetes, Charcot Foot, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, etc. My mom passed away at 46 from the same problems and I was already in my mid 40’s. I was ready to make a drastic change. As I shared I have been successful on other weight loss programs which did keep my health issues at bay for a long time. It was in my late 30’s and early 40’s I could not seem to keep the balance any longer.
Bariatric surgery is not for everyone and I’m here to support you even if that is not your path. As for me, I will not regret my decision any time soon because the key is that it was right for me.
After you’ve made a list of your priorities, make a plan for how to get there. Perhaps the first step for some is counseling. Counseling and behavioral therapy can really help if you are struggling with self image, depression, isolation, eating disorders, or anxiety. This is really a great first step and takes courage to do it. You will not regret asking for help from a professional. Your therapist or counselor can also help you realize what your goals are and how to get there.
Whatever your goal, start easy and work into it. If it’s more exercise, decide what you will do and start with a few days per week. Your notebook paper should have your goals, a plan, and some ideas to get there. Once you’ve kept that commitment then build up to the goal. If you want to lose weight and do not know which program to use or where to start, maybe start with a basic app to start just tracking your current calories. Then slowly work to improve your targets. One trick I practice is if I eat way more one day than I should, the next day I do not stress about getting back to the right calories. Sometimes the next day my goal is simply to be under calories from the day before even if it is not meeting goal. It’s still a victory! You could even start more basic than this and spend some time just being more mindful around meal times and snack times. I’ve also known people including myself who did very well eating off a meal plan already made up and ready to go. I will provide some examples of this in the near future.
I want you to know it’s not always all or nothing. I still enjoy a treat now and then and I do count it. My goal in writing today though is to help you take the overwhelming out of not knowing where to start.
Please feel free to message me on Facebook or leave a comment here. I wish you the best as you start a journey whatever that journey might be.
Good advice Amanda. Thank you.