Do you want to lose weight?
There are many diets out there and many ways to lose weight and still, some people are not getting the results they want. You might be wondering which diet works best for you and why your friend Lucy lost all that weight eating Paleo and you are having trouble losing 2 lbs.
Diets have become popular because weight management and obesity have been one of the world’s biggest health issues. Public Health Canada has reported that in 2017, 64% of Canadians over the age of 18 are overweight or obese, and about 30% of children aged 5-17 are overweight or obese.
The basic principle of a diet is calories in and calories out. So you “eat less and move more”. While the caloric balance concept is ultimately true, it isn’t that simple and doesn’t account for the composition of weight gained or lost, eating behaviours, hormonal changes, high level of stress, nutrients deficiencies, etc. All these factors influence your ability to lose weight and keep it off.
There are many diets out there but you will realize that they are not that different from each other.
When done properly, Paleo diets, plant-based diets, high carb diets, low carb diets, eating small meals frequently, eating larger meals infrequently, etc. all accomplish the following:
1- They raise awareness of what you eat and how you eat and promote overall health
2- They focus on good quality meals. There are no suggestions for eating “junk” food or highly processed snacks ever.
3- They help eliminate nutrients deficiencies (supplementation, hydration, essential fatty acids, etc.)
4- They promote movement and exercise
To me, one of the most important factors to lose weight is CONSISTENCY. You can’t expect to focus on a “diet” for 2 weeks and lose all the weight you put on in 2 years. Also, it is important to identify I am talking weight loss for health purposes, for you to feel better than what you feel now, more energized, less bloated, and more connected with your own body
ACCOUNTABILITY is another factor to consider. If you have a hard time focusing on your weight management plan and need support, hire a Coach to make you accountable and guide you with a plan that is based on your needs and your lifestyle. A plan that works for your health, easy to stick to it and doable. And maybe even kind of fun!
Even modest weight loss of five to 10 percent of your total body weight, can result in health benefits. These include improvements in blood pressure, blood cholesterol, less pressure on your knees and blood sugars.
Check the link below to see where you are on your BMI (body mass index) BMI can be used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html
I want to leave you with this:
Weight loss doesn’t have to be overwhelming, it can feel good and empowering especially if you have support. You need to decide to do it and be consistent by considering the many factors involved when you are ready to transform your body and lifestyle. All you need to do is make the decision, get clear on the benefits to your health and lifestyle and find a way to bring in consistency.
You got this! And if you would like support on this journey….I am here for you.