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Raise your hand if you think diets are fun? I hear crickets chirping, so I take it there aren’t any raised hands reading this. Well, you’re not alone. Diets AREN’T fun! And they’re definitely not pleasurable. Most diets are about deprivation or restricting a group of foods to avoid for a period of time. But here’s the biggest kicker about dieting – THEY DON’T WORK.
So, then why oh why do we put ourselves through this agony?
Here are my 3 reasons why Diets Don’t Work.
1. Have you met Negative Nancy? I know you have; we all have at one time or another. She is the absolute WORST!! And, I’m not talking about a co-worker, or a friend that you wish you could distance yourself from. I’m talking about YOU – YES YOU! That inner voice that keeps you from moving forward. Your inner critic that specializes in self put-downs and crushing self-confidence. It’s time to stop being your own bully.
Negative Nancy is absolutely killing your health and weight-loss goals. (If your name is Nancy, please don’t take this personally. Haha!) Nancy can contribute to stress and even depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, negative self-talk can induce physical as well as emotional stress, harming your cardiovascular health, gut health and immune system. (mayoclinic.org).
Shift thoughts from I CAN’T to I CAN and throw your excuses out the window. (Because let’s be real… We ALL can be loaded with excuses of why things aren’t working for us at any given time.) Instead, try to “bookend” your day with positive affirmations and gratitude.
Each morning I like to establish a good mood for my day with some encouraging and positive thoughts. Try these:
I choose to eat food that makes my body feel its best.
Each day I move closer to my healthy weight.
I love my body, and I take great care of myself.
Each night as I snuggle into my bed after a busy day, I think of 3 things that I am grateful for from the day.
Soon you will notice that starting and ending your day with a good attitude trickles into good vibes and feelings the rest of the day. The better you feel about yourself, the less you will make choices to sabotage your health.
“We are our choices.” – J.P. Sartre
2. You have made losing weight and getting healthier a goal…Congratulations! You seemingly are in the right frame of mind. You have a plan. You are eating the “right” food. But-- your Diet ISN’T working! You’re frustrated, discouraged, and like, “What in the what?? I feel like I’m working my butt off and not getting anywhere."
I TOTALLY GET IT! But, let me share with you what might be happening.
Many times, when we commit to a goal, we go ALL in. And you should – but here’s the missing link… A healthy lifestyle needs to fit into YOUR life, not the other way around. It’s about what WORKS FOR YOU!
Once you find a plan that works for you; it will be sustainable. It may take a little longer than you’d like, however, the weight will not only come off, but also STAY off. Isn’t that the point??
3. Truth or Myth: You need to spend hours a week in the gym to see any real results? This is the biggest MYTH. You do need to carve out time for movement each week, but a solid exercise program can literally be done in 2-3 hours a week! YES, a week; not a day! As a coach, part of my goal for you is to incorporate the most effective exercise program into your life that works for YOU! Life is busy; so, making the most of our time is not only crucial, but also possible.
If you are struggling to make your “DIET” work, try shifting things a little. It does take some work, but it doesn’t need it to be a constant struggle!
Your biggest cheerleader,
Nat
P.S. I offer both one-on-one coaching and group coaching. 2017 is just around the corner! End the dieting madness. You can crush your goals, and the time is NOW! If you think coaching might work for you – Let’s chat with a complimentary call. Just fill out this questionnaire to get started.
