Weight Loss Information

Weight Loss Discipline


Why is it so hard to lose weight and keep it off? We have all heard that weight loss is just a matter of taking in less calories than we expend. That certainly sounds very logical, but is it really that simple?

For example, I had an intention of only eating fruits and vegetables for a day or two, to counteract the recent 'junk' food I had been enjoying. This was a solid plan that practically guaranteed a decrease in caloric intake. However, a solid plan doesn't always mean an easy execution.

I figured I would be relatively safe making a trip to the health food store. So my guard against high fat foods was down. When I got to the store, my sensibilities were assailed by a well meaning clerk hawking some freshly made corn beef and cabbage. I could hardly resist the temptation. And that wasn't the end of it. Once my armour was breached, the temptation of tasty, 'health oriented' cookie samples fought for my attention.

Once again, I capitulated. My normally strong will power seemed to crumble. And once weakened, it seemed reasonable to just continue. It's like that first drink for the recovering alcoholic.

I am by no means overweight, but once in a while my diet gets out of hand and the fat around my midsection gets a little more sizable than I am comfortable with. Usually, times like these are a great opportunity to get a little detoxification in, so I like to focus on fruits and vegetables for a day or two.

This has the dual effect of decreasing my caloric intake. I was also sticking with the simple plan mentioned above. So where did things go wrong? Did I not have enough discipline? Did I lack willpower, or was it something else?

In retrospect, the problem appears to be a lack of preparation. I failed to use the power of why. Let me explain. When the chips were down, I didn't seem to have enough reason to maintain discipline. Maybe you have had a similar experience? I rationalized with, "oh, a little won't hurt me". The truth is, once you start down that road, it can be hard to turn back.

What would the right preparation be in that case? What is this power of why that I am talking about? A great way to fortify will power with any strategy is to actually write out the reasons why sticking to your plan or achieving your goal is important. It is kind of like stockpiling ammunition. The weaponry, in this case, appears in the form of a list.

With a long list of reasons supporting the plan or the goal, I would have had a lot more reserves to draw on when my front line defenses were being stressed. When the well meaning clerk was pouncing, I should have had a ready list of whys to fall back on. As the clerk was just being nice and sounding really sensible, plus it was a free sample after all, my mind should have responded with my ready made list of why I should not vary from my plan.

That didn't happen because I never made such a list. Whatever you are trying to accomplish in life, there are bound to be obstacles and obstructions that just leap into your path to stop or block you. These are the times that you need your list. The list is your power. No list, no power.

When anyone sits down to plan something or set a goal, they need a list to support them during weak times. The longer the list, the better. Even if one has to carry the list along in one's pocket, it is worth it. A list of about 50 reasons, while hard to create, can pay off in a major way.

Imagine the clerk's surprise, had I pulled out my handy list and read it off for him. My armour would not have been pierced and the clerk would have had to move on to more ready prey or risk having the spear of temptation blunted! No list, no power.

So, how long is your list?

This article is for information purposes only. It is not meant to advise on diet or weight loss or on any health matters. If you have or think you have a health issue, including weight or diet issues, consult your primary care physician for proper diagnoses and treatment.

copyright 2005 by David Snape

Dave Snape is a health, fitness and wellness enthusiast. His website is http://tobeinformed.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Safest Weight Loss Surgery for Britons Travelling Abroad
PR Web (press release), WA - 4 hours ago
To have the best chance of successful long term weight loss, patients also need to have on-going support and contact, to help them through the process. ...


Examiner.com

Is eating organic the best kept weight loss secret?
Examiner.com - 8 hours ago
by Sarah Dussault, Boston Fitness Examiner Could eating organic be the best kept weight loss secret? After reading various studies for a recent video, ...


Synovis anticipates gains from weight-loss surgeries
Trading Markets (press release), CA - 1 hour ago
During a conference call with investors Wednesday, Kramp acknowledged that weight-loss surgeries could be considered "somewhat elective. ...


Examiner.com

Vegetarian/vegan diet for lasting weight loss
Examiner.com - 8 hours ago
by Peggy Kraus, Disease Prevention Examiner Vegetarians [and vegans] have a slightly higher metablolic rate during rest, meaning that they burn up more ...


Effects of Perilipin (PLIN) Gene Variation on Metabolic Syndrome ...
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, MD - 6 hours ago
After intervention, subjects carrying minor allele T at PLIN6 had increased weight loss (3.3 ± 3.7 vs. 1.9 ± 3.4 kg; P = 0.002) and increased loss of the ...


Teacher gains from high-tech weight-loss program
Bellingham Herald, WA - 20 hours ago
The 52-year-old Bellingham resident had no idea the solution would be an innovative weight-loss program at Bellingham Athletic Club, involving a high-tech ...


Rude Remarks: How to Handle the Weight Loss Saboteur
Beliefnet.com, NY - 8 hours ago
Every so often, someone says something to me about my newly found thinness that is upsetting and sends me reeling. (Yes, it's been seven years since I ...


Weight loss super pill?
WBXH, LA - 23 hours ago
By Phil Rainier - bio | email Is it a weight loss super pill? Scientists at Baton Rouge's Pennington Biomedical Research Center say it's possible. ...


Kimberly Garrison: How Winner won weight loss fight
Philadelphia Daily News, PA - 13 hours ago
The weight loss became my license to go back to poor eating habits," Bob said. He regained 60 pounds. Luckily, that was his wake-up call. ...


TSN.ca

Vikings DTs Challenge Suspensions in Court
Washington Post, United States - 20 hours ago
Several of the players tested positive for a banned diuretic contained in a weight-loss product, according to their representatives. ...
Williamses win legal reprieve ... for now Minneapolis Star Tribune
Steve Aschburner Vikings' diet policies help produce amazing ... MinnPost.com
Line of Scrimmage: Week 14 - Weighing in on StarCaps Kansas City Star
The Associated Press - New York Daily News
all 1,820 news articles

Weight-Loss - Google News

home | site map
© 2006