Weight Issues?

Have you ever been told that you needed to lose weight? Was your reaction "I know"? Maybe the comment caught you off guard because you felt there was nothing wrong with your weight. The subject of weight seems to be on the minds of many people. How does one determine if they are truly overweight? Looking in the mirror is a dead giveaway. So is wearing tight fitting clothes that up until recently were loose on you. But what happens when you exercise, feel good about yourself and are still told you need to drop a few pounds? What then?

There are reports that provide an "average" weight range based on height and age, however, are these reports valid? Doctors disagree on the average weight ranges and the correct application. If you have a 5' 3"; 5' 10" and a 4' 11" woman all in good health and all weighing 150 lbs, doctors may disagree on whether weight and/or diet is an issue.

Doctors throw the word "diet" around without really delving into the causes or what can be expected if weight issues aren't addressed. Shouldn't the main goal be that you are healthy?

I know of individuals who have made dieting their "idol". They go from one weight loss program to another. They try every fad diet, tea, milkshake, etc. They're obsessed with dieting. As a result, they ride a continual seesaw of weight gain/weight loss. Some of these individuals really don't even need to lose weight. Their fear of becoming overweight has such a tight grip on them that it can lead to health issues or obsessions.

So what happens if you do in fact have to lose weight? One of the first steps might be to acknowledge that there is an issue. The next step would be to decide what changes you are willing to make relating to food. These changes should be gradual. Get your doctors approval to make these changes (especially if there are any health issues).

Be honest with yourself. Are you willing to make a serious commitment? If so, your commitment should include reasons why you want to lose weight, a short and long term goal for weight loss, exercise and a timeline. There should also be an action plan. Including a support team (friend, family, etc.) will help keep you on track and accountable.

Keep a food journal. This is vey helpful in identifying specific times during the day when you may be the most hungry. Also, keeping a food journal helps identity unhealthy eating habits (or binges) such as emotional eating or eating while under stress. Understanding what type of eater you are begins the process of correcting any negative eating behaviors.

Do NOT look at this journey as being on a diet. Although you will be losing pounds, that should not be your main focus. You are making changes to become healthier. As you begin to replace unhealthy foods with healthy foods, you will notice that your energy level increases. Your clothes become looser and you notice positive changes in your health. Eating healthier has been known to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.

Take time to acknowledge the positive changes in your body and your health. Celebrate your accomplishments. If for some reason, you lose focus and go off your plan, that's okay; just refocus and get back on course.

When you make the process about being healthy (not losing weight) you will find that it's easier to remain focused. Your body will react favorably and you will be much happier.