The Secrets of Weight Loss

According to the latest statistics, the weight loss industry now exceeds $50 billion. With all those New Year’s resolutions out there it’s about to get even bigger. It’s such a lucrative market that Taco Bell created the Taco Bell Drive-thru Diet. I guess being part of the $160 billion dollar fast food restaurant business isn’t enough. Before you spend any money on weight loss products or drive-thru “nutrition” let me share with you the secret to weight loss. I’ve helped hundreds of people lose weight, ranging from the obese person to the middle-aged soccer mom to the professional bodybuilder and figure competitor. I’ve gained and lost weight myself over the years. Through these experiences I have learned the secret to weight loss and weight management. Because it is a new year and I’m still in the gift-giving mood I’m going to reveal the secret to you for absolutely no cost. Are you ready? Be patient. Before I tell you what it is, I’m going to tell you what it’s not. It’s not Weight Watchers, a low calorie diet, high protein diet, a vegetarian diet or South Beach Diet. It’s not cardiovascular exercise or weight training (although they help). It’s not yoga or Pilates. All of these can help when implemented into a system. Individually, they are not the answer. The system is the answer. That’s right, the key to weight loss and management is a SYSTEM. People that lose weight and keep it off have a system that works for them when followed consistently. They have a system that they follow to eat healthy food consistently throughout the day. It may include:

• Grocery shopping one day of the week

• Cooking in bulk on the weekend

• Packing lunch the night before

• Bring snacks to work

• Only eating out 1 night a week

• Limiting alcohol intake during the week

They have a system for movement and exercise. The movement really doesn’t matter. What matters is that it’s scheduled and part of your system for weight loss or management. It may include:

• Working out with a trainer (my favorite)

• Morning walks or runs

• Wednesday night Salsa class

• 3 – 15 minute walks throughout the day

• Aerobic class

• Family hikes

• Walking around the soccer field as their child practices

They have a system for hydrating their body. It might include:

• Carrying around a gallon container (I think this looks so funny, but it works for many people).

• Drinking water with every meal

• Keeping a bottle of water at their desk

• Drink two large cups of tea everyday

They have a system for dealing with stress and getting enough rest. I think you get the point. If your goal is to lose weight and/or keep it off you must set up a system that works for YOU and execute it. Make sure your system fits into your lifestyle. Make sure your system includes proper nutrition and movement. And lastly, make sure your system is helping you achieve your goal. Once your system is created and successful all you have to do is follow it. Now and then you’ll have to update it based on your life circumstances but NEVER, NEVER abandon it.

So if you’re goal is to lose, gain or maintain your weight, create a system that will help you do it. It’s your best chance at long-term success.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier