How many times have you tried to diet and end up quitting after just a couple months, or weeks… maybe even a few days? Do you just chalk it up to “not having enough will power?”
Well there is much more to it than that.
Things like: 1) Long-term sustainability, 2) Your environment, 3) And knowledge are probably what’s holding you back from getting your nutrition on point, and sticking with it. Read below and see if you can identify the key problem(s) with your past strategies.
First things first – do you know how we lose weight?
We lose weight through a calorie deficit. This means you are taking in less energy (calories) than you are burning throughout your day. No, not the amount of calories your apple watch tells you that you burn during a workout (which is highly inaccurate by the way). We burn calories simply by being alive. So your total daily calorie burn needs to be higher than what you are eating. Most people do not know how to properly put themselves into a calorie deficit – this leads to people severely undereating. Newsflash- 1200 calories is too low for any grown adult.
So what happens?
We eat far too little and feel starved; we cut out our favorite food and no longer enjoy eating. We try to eliminate foods that “aren’t clean,” making us feel deprived. All of these things together are making “diets” unsustainable. You will eat this way for a short time, drop weight quickly, then go back to your old ways and regain all that weight, plus some.
You need to find a way to eat that is going to support your goals and be sustainable for the long haul.
Next thing, your environment is likely tripping you up. This includes the people you surround yourself with, as well as the food you keep in your home. Have you talked with your support people (kids, spouse, friends)? Have you told them your goals and asked them for their support? If you can get your spouse on board with your goals and lifestyle change, you are far more likely to stick with it.
Are you keeping “trigger foods” in your home? Late night trips to the freezer for the ice cream that is calling your name?
If it’s in your home, it is going to get eaten. I always tell my clients “make the good decisions easy, and the bad decisions hard.” Aka – don’t bring the tempting stuff into the house where you can fall victim to binging it during a weak moment.
I’m not saying to never eat your favorite treats; I’m saying don’t keep them readily accessible at all times.
Lastly, you are probably quite overwhelmed with where to start.
You try to google some stuff and you’re constantly being pulled 15 different directions. You have one source telling you to cut out carbs. You have Sally on Facebook trying to sell you on her multi level marketing shakes she swears by. And Bob from work who tells you that intermittent fasting is the best way to lose fat, fast!
What do you do?!
Finding a coach that can help you navigate this confusing overload of information; a coach’s job is to simplify strategies and keep you consistent.
We won’t just tell you what to do, but how to do it.
A good coach can hold you accountable and help you reach your goals without getting frustrated. If you are sick of the constant “on again, off again” dieting and ready to strive towards your goals, book a free Fed Up session today!