When it comes to losing weight most people tend to think that the way to get lasting results comes from following the latest “fad” diets, taking diet pills, or following an exercise routine.
But HOW you lose weight is only part of the issue.
What do I mean?
Here are some interesting statistics:
- At any given time, nearly 50% of American women are on a diet.
- Nearly all dieters (95%) regain the weight they lost within one to five years.
- 35% of “occassional” dieters will turn into chronic dieters.
- Americans spent $55.4 billion on diets and weight loss products/services in 2006
- Roughly two-thirds of U.S. adults are considered overweight or obese
- Obesity rates have more than doubled in adults and children since the 1970’s
So what do these facts tell us?
That despite the popularity and regularity of dieting, surgery and money spent on weight loss products Americans are having a tough time getting the weight off, and keeping it off.
The real issue is… why?
Motivations for losing weight
When it comes to weight loss it’s important to factor in the underlying motivations associated with trying to “lose weight.”
It makes a difference whether someone wants to “look good” for the summer months, or whether they want to make a lifestyle change to eat, and live, healthier.
Why is that?
Because the reasons for losing weight determine a number of factors, such as:
- your method for losing weight
- how committed you will be for losing the weight
- whether or not you will keep the weight off
In other words, your underlying motivations (verbalized or not) will shape the path you choose in order the lose the weight, and will also determine whether or not you will be able to keep the weight off permanently.
Unfortunately, this aspect is nearly never addressed or discussed.
That brings us to…
Emotional issues with weight loss
There is an emotional aspect to losing weight that those who have been on the lose-gain-lose-gain roller coaster know only too well.
Sometimes we feel guilty about “not sticking to the program.”
It is relatively easy to teach someone about proper diet and which exercise program to follow in order to live a healthier lifestyle. And quite another thing to deal with our emotions in a positive manner while doing our best to avoid old habit.
The emotional eating issue is not nearly as cut and dried as most of the other changes you’ll be making in order to achieve your healthy weight.
The goal of nutritional counseling is to help you stick with the program, even if (or when) you “fall off the wagon.”
It’s about creating a support system to help you reach your weight loss goals… all with an eye toward making lasting change.
And as we all know change isn’t easy.
But it is possible.
Even though you may experience unpleasant feelings, the best way to learn to deal with emotions and feelings is through counseling or other support systems.
This will most likely be your biggest challenge… getting past eating emotionally.
At the end of the day, what are YOUR weight loss goals?
And why do you have them?
Holistic nutrition counseling
The Fit MD program combines healthy nutrition, physical fitness goals, and addresses any accompanying emotional problems that may be holding you back.
If you live in Westchester, NY you can find out more information about The FitMD program and nutrition counseling by clicking the link, or if you prefer give us a call at 914-721-0071 today.
You can review our staff of personal trainers in Westchester by clicking the link to review their profiles.
And if you have any questions regarding nutrition in general or keeping a food diary in particular give us a call, or leave a comment.
After all, it’s your health and well-being…