How Do I Lose Weight?

April 2009 – Understanding Results! - Part 2

In part 1 of this series, I defined the meaning of results and in this part, I will answer the one question that I am asked the most – “How do I lose weight?”

Don’t believe the hype!

New gimmicks come out practically every single month claiming to be the ONE AND ONLY product you will need to completely transform your body.  Simply use this wonder product and you will look like the models used in the infomercial.  Yeah right!  What they fail to tell you is that the models were in great shape before the products were even invented.  Besides, if the products are really as effective as they claim to be, then why are more and more products being put on the market each month?  The truth is that the majority of these products are useless.  And even if a product is useful, it should not be viewed as the end all and be all for weight loss. 

Why do these gimmicks continue to sell? Today, society has been conditioned to believe that there is a simple solution for everything, a ‘use this (product) for that (problem)’ approach.   For this reason, billions of dollars are spent and wasted annually on weight loss.  The philosophy that a single product, food, exercise routine etc., is the only thing you need to lose weight and transform your body is certainly flawed.  Unfortunately, many people fall victim to this idea and repeatedly FAIL to reach their desired results.   

Step 1 – Please understand that the ‘use this for that’ approach benefits only the wallets of the people who are selling these proclaimed ‘miracle’ products.

A different philosophy

 

If you really want to lose weight you need a new philosophy – a multi-disciplinary approach.  A multi-disciplinary approach is one that views the human being holistically – body, mind and spirit.  I strongly believe that this approach is what everyone should adopt if they want to achieve their desired results. 

Here is the real ‘SECRET’ of weight loss:

“When you effectively nourish your physical, mental, and spiritual self, you will be a completely healthy human being that will never have any weight loss issues”

Weight gain, amongst many other health issues, is the result of not being healthy.  Therefore, the question should not be “how do I lose weight?” but instead, “how do I become more healthy?” or “how do I effectively nourish my body, mind and spirit?”

Step 2 – Adopt a multi-disciplinary approach if you want to achieve the results of your dreams.

How do you effectively nourish your body, mind, and spirit?

Everyone is unique so answers to this question will vary.  Below are just a few general ways to enrich your being:

- Eat organic whole foods

- Drink plenty of purified water

- Laugh often

- Express yourself through creative means that you love – singing, dancing, painting, etc.

- Participate in regular exercise that you enjoy

- Read

- Meditate

- Pursue your dreams

- Create wonderful relationships

- Serve others

- Maintain a positive attitude

- Travel

The bottom line is that there are a multitude of things you can do to lose weight but it is the integrated use of many of these things that will ultimately lead to health and weight loss.

Note:  This list is completely random and is not in any specific order of importance.    

Step 3 – Live a healthy lifestyle by integrating many healthy choices.  Do what you love, with the people you love, as much as possible and enjoy your life!   

Not a fan favorite!

I know that I am disappointing those people who were expecting a shortcut answer to weight loss.   However, in my 30 years of life experience, I have discovered that there is a significant difference between what people WANT to hear and what people NEED to hear.  I believe people are told what they want to hear far too often and in the long term they are frequently disappointed.  Therefore, I hope you will question someone the next time you hear them claiming to have the ultimate weight loss product because it may save you from wasting your time and money.    

Last but not least

The articles I write will lead you toward becoming a healthier person and thus by following the advice given, you will begin to conquer your struggles with weight loss.  You can do it!  

By: Sal Crispo

Vaughan Personal Trainer