Ring out the Old, Ring in the New.
For those of you like me who grew up in the 70’s you might remember that line from a George Harrison (as in the Ex-Beatle) song which was often played on radio to celebrate the New Year.
And if you are like millions of other Americans you are “ringing in the new” by making a resolution to lose weight or get fit.
Studies show that losing weight and getting fit are 2 of the top 5 resolutions made with Losing Weight taking the top spot by far.
But here’s the sad truth.
Less than 8% of those who make that promise to themselves
To lose weight & get healthy actually achieve it.
In fact most people have completely abandoned any hope by the middle of January and less than 10% actually stick to it thru the first 90 days of the year.
There are a lot of reasons why this happens but when it comes to getting in shape, losing weight or getting healthy there is one reason in particular that derails folks like you.
That reason? Unrealistic Expectations.
What is that? Well let me give you an example.
The other day I was talking with an old friend of mine. Let’s call her Sarah.
Sarah had reached out to me because she was finally ready to “get rid of all this fat I’ve been carrying around”.
So I asked her how much do you think you need to lose? She enthusiastically said: “About 40lbs and this time I’m going to do it!”
While I love her determination I then followed up with another question which is: How long do you think it will take you to lose it?”
Her answer 6-8 weeks!
Think about that a second that works out to a 5lb weight loss per week each and every week!
So I then said how do you plan on doing that and she said well I’m going to eat better and workout 5 times a week.
T o be honest I just shook my head because there is no way that was going to happen for Sarah or frankly pretty much anyone.
Now the truth is if Sarah did exactly those 2 things she can lose 40lbs. But it’s not going to happen in 8 weeks.
Now I’ve known Sarah for over 40 years and I believe that she has the determination to get the weight off but as I told her she is setting herself up for failure right from the get go.
“You didn’t gain 40lbs in 4 weeks why do you think you will lose it that fast?” I asked her to which she really didn’t have a response.
The sad truth is it isn’t Sarah’s fault she was thinking this way.
Americans have been led to believe for decades now that there is a “quick fix” when it comes to weight loss. And let me be the first to tell you….
THERE ISN’T A QUICK FIX WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING IN SHAPE!
I’m sure for many of you that’s not something you want to hear. But it’s reality.
Be it those TV weight loss shows that show people losing 10, 20 even 30 lbs in a week. The magazine articles that promise if you just do this (fill in the blank) you’re sure to get the weight off.
That certain TV Doctor who seems to have a new “miracle weight loss formula cure” every week or those “Celebrity Trainers” who in their infomercials promise you that everyone can succeed if you just follow their program.
They promise the world… and when they don’t deliver well who gets the blame? You!
And over the years it has only gotten worse.
There isn’t an hour that goes by it seems that you don’t see some sort of weight loss promotion especially this time of year.
If you’re like me you’re getting bombarded on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pintrest with weight loss gimmicks that promise you can get the weight off often in a matter of days or weeks.
One post I saw said if you just drink this “scientifically proven formula” you’ll lose a pound a day in the first month without changing your diet or working out!
Completely unrealistic, in fact an out and out lie.
To be fair there is a small (VERY VERY SMALL) percentage of the population that can lose 30lbs in a month using some gimmick.
But the sad truth is that even though they can lose it that fast the body doesn’t like it and usually they put that weight right back on and then some.
All you need to do is look at most of the contestants on the Biggest Loser who to be sure lost huge amounts of weight very quickly.
The reality…. most of them have gained it all back and then some.
Worse they’ve destroyed their metabolism doing it the way they did which means it will be even harder for them to get it off again.
So what is a realistic expectation?
When people come to me for weight loss (or to get in shape) I’m very upfront with them. I tell them they should strive to lose 1-2lbs a week on average.
That doesn’t mean 1-2lbs every single week either. Some weeks they may gain weight, others they may lose more.
But over time they should be able average a weight loss of 1-2lbs per week.
So in Sarah’s case I told her not to expect to drop 40lbs in 8 weeks but more like 8 MONTHS!
I’m sure many of you are thinking the same thing Sarah did which is... What... The… Fudge!
But in 30 years of working with people to help them lose weight and get in shape, not to mention reams of scientific data which support it, that is what you set your mind to.
Not only will having a realistic expectation increase your chances of success in getting the weight off following a “slow and steady wins the race” mentality will help you achieve the even greater success which is to KEEP IT OFF!
So if you’ve decided that 2021 is your year to get Fit&Lean… GOOD FOR YOU!
Set realistic expectations and then work toward them. Focus on having smaller achievable goals that will reinforce those good habits you are developing instead of trying to do it as quickly as possible only to give up because the results you thought you would have didn’t happen.
In other words: “it’s ok to reach for the stars, just don’t expect to get there overnight”
If you found this tip helpful could you do us favor and help spread the word by liking and sharing it so that others can see it also. We'd really appreciate it!
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