Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Losing weight - is it all a numbers game?

How much can you lose? How quickly can you lose it? How many carbs do you have a day? Numbers, numbers, numbers. Is that what it is all about? Weight loss, that is?
  • What if you follow the numbers game and it doesn't work for you? 
  • What if you are not a numbers person and just don't get it?
Is it all a numbers game when it comes to weight loss? 

Don't get me wrong, the numbers are important. You gotta know your numbers:
  • Your weight
  • Your measurements
  • Your body fat percentage
And you may even know or want to know:
  • The percentage of carbs you should be taking in each day
  • Your heart rate when you exercise
  • How long it will take you to lose weight
But, as focused as we are on the NUMBERS, does it really work for us when we are trying to lose weight? I go crazy this time of year when I see the marketing and advertising for the fitness/health/nutrition products and services.
  • Lose 20 lbs. in 10 days!
  • Lose 10 lbs. in 3 days! 
  • Try this diet for 17 days!
  • Take this pill for 30 days!
Really? My question - What happens after those 10 days, or after the 3 days, or the 17 days, or the 30 days? When you take a pill for 30 days and "lose weight", what happens when you STOP taking the pill? Do you gain the weight? Do you continue taking the pill for another 30 days, or indefinitely? When you are so focused on the NUMBERS, you tend to forget the obvious.
  • What about your heart? 
  • What about your head? 
  • What about your gut instinct? 
When you see these ads and promotions and are tempted by the "easy-ness" of taking a pill or shake, think about it. Is a pill or shake really going to change your body? Is a new "diet" going to fix your body? Is a quick-fix, high-weight-loss going to help your health?
  • What does your heart tell you? 
  • What does your head tell you? 
  • What does your gut instinct tell you? Your inside voice? 
Read my Thanksgiving detox article and remember the three E's we talked about in that piece:

E - Eat right. 
E - Exercise. 
E - Emotionally prepare.

This not only applies to getting ready for the holidays, it applies to your health life as well. Get your head into the game. It's not all about the numbers, it's about your health, your life. It starts with the inside...

I am here when you need me - sandi@startwiththeinside.com

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