Healthy B.P.M.

I’m preparing for a newspaper interview this afternoon and decided to get my talking points together. Naturally I’m thrilled and thankful for the coverage. The points that I want to drive home are not just what and what not to eat. Most people recognize that French fries aren’t vegetables and operating the remote is not an aerobic activity. This is what I intend to say.

Along with the proper mindset you’re going to need a healthy dose of patience when you’re on a weight loss plan. Everyone wants the excess pounds gone as of yesterday, but that aint gonna happen. Prepare to wait anywhere from six weeks to six months for the numbers to turn in your favor. And while you’re at it, stop weighing yourself every time you go to the bathroom. Get a tape measure and rely on its numbers for more accuracy. In the meantime; how do you feel? Are you sleeping better, do you have more energy? Is the overall quality of your life improving? Get high everyday knowing that you’re doing something to reduce your risk of a long list of awful diseases.

Be prepared to make changes in your plan. You may have gotten great results from your current strategy; and then all of a sudden Plan A doesn’t work anymore. Keep an open mind and be flexible. Your body adapts easily and needs stimulation to respond differently.

Lose the all or nothing mentality. Depravity doesn’t make good sense. Real world alternatives are what keep you going. Birthdays, holidays and “woe is me” days are real world occurrences. Don’t put yourself in a straight jacket about them. You can handle it. Letting your hair down (a little) won’t be the end of life as you know it. On the other hand…..

Be consistent. Wishy washy workouts and a hap hazard eating plan is a recipe for disaster. If you have a personal trainer or other fitness consultant realize that you still have to work. On the days when you’re not working with your trainer you still have to do something. I think those days are the most important, and they will reveal just how committed you are to the plan. If you work with a trainer more than 3 days a week, great, and I wish I were your trainer.

Most importantly enjoy the process. Please don’t put your life on hold while you’re waiting to lose weight. The world is still going round and you are still a productive member of society. If you don’t think you can accomplish any other goal, ask yourself why? Losing weight will work wonders for your waistline and wellbeing but it’s not the end all be all of life. Stop selling yourself short and get out there and live the kind of life you want. You deserve it.