You're Missing The Point

The other day I was at work talking to another co-worker who just started up Weight Watchers. For those of you who don't know, Weight Watchers is based on a point system. Based on your current weight and other factors you are given a certain number of points you can eat per day. Each food contains a certain amount of points depending on it's nutrition facts. She explained to me that she is constantly hungry, unhappy and frustrated with her new diet. It just so happens that her daughter and husband also went on the diet at the same time she did and within the past couple of months they lost over 15 lbs., while she lost a crushing 5 lbs. I began to ask her a bunch of questions about what else she has done to lose weight and the answer was, "Well, nothing." There's the problem right there. And here's why ...

In order for a person to experience changes in their weight or body you must not only change your diet, but also your exercise routine. It never helps to starve yourself or make your life miserable by depriving yourself. It really is about portioning your meals and keeping active. I know, I know, not everyone's life style allows for 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day, but perhaps you can try to wake up a little earlier and walk or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Little changes like that are progressive and not overnight, but it really works. Never rely on the points. Sure, you can be on the lookout and be cautious, but if you're hungry, you are hungry. Eat! If you don't you will end up scarfing down a huge burger and fries when you finally have had enough. By that point you have totally lost sight of all self control and you end up over-eating leaving you feeling lazy and miserable later. Then, you end up telling yourself, "I'll make up for it tomorrow ..." After that, tomorrow turns into the next day and then the next day. Remember to eat healthy snacks when you're hungry and when mealtime comes you won't over-eat and will have the self control to stop eating when you feel full. Eat slower!

So, maybe now you're questioning, "Well, why did her daughter and husband start losing weight?" The answer, probably because their bodies reacted differently. Not everyone is the same. But, I can tell you that they suddenly have plateaued and now they are frustrated because they are not losing the weight they once were when they first started their diet. It's so discouraging to many people. But, when you find something isn't working, try another approach. Don't give up and tell yourself that maybe it's just not possible. It really is possible. No one is built to be obese, you just have to figure out what works for you. One thing I can say for everyone is that food portioning and exercise are truly what you should strive for. Also, look for the healthy alternatives. But, if you are craving that cake, just eat half of what you normally would! You're craving WILL be fulfilled once the food is digested. Believe me!!! Any change like that will go a long way!