Four Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Change From Quick Fix Weight Loss to Healthy Lifestyle

Ah yes, the joys of summer. Schools are out, you are gearing up for vacation, excited for family gatherings and friendly barbeques. Despite the potential for great fun, a high level of stress builds while packing for that cruise, wedding or reunion all centered on what you look like! Common questions are, "Am I thin enough for this bathing suit?", "How are my arms in this tank top?" or statements like, "I've put on too much weight since the first of the year."

High priority action items on most people's lists this time of year are something related to health and wellness - get fit and/or lose weight. Whether overweight for a long period of time or having packed on some extra pounds during the mad work rush before summer, you might begin to go into overdrive in order to quick, fast and in a hurry achieve some overnight weight, health or wellness goals.

Unfortunately, you might experience extreme guilt or disappointment in letting yourself or family down about previously set goals that you did not achieve. This starts a spiral of choruses that might sound like this: "I need to get back on track" or "I'm going to start back up next month" or even sometimes "I can never keep up with my goals!"
The issue is not a difference between anyone's actual ability to achieve any goal versus yours. It is also not due to any myth that his/her body makeup is "better" than yours. Believe it or not, it is not that you are forever cursed to "hold on to that extra weight." The issue is nine times out of ten... wait for it... you are traveling too fast on the road of quick fixes as opposed to making adjustments and adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Instead of submerging yourself in a degrading, negative point of view for another summer and allowing yourself to get derailed by the quick fix, start by asking yourself some important questions. Perhaps have an honest conversation with a friend or hire a wellness coach to guide you through setting timely, healthy goals. Some of these questions may go a little deeper than what you are used to, but who better to know the answers than you?

1) What exactly is it that I don't like about my weight, look or feel of my body?
BRIEFLY spend some time answering this one. It will only turn into a disaster to focus on the what-is-wrong for too long. The purpose of this question is to actually identify and be aware of where to start. Next, do not think about it in detail again! Rash, but the point is that we cannot expect our bodies to change if we have a negative opinion of it. Change comes from the inside so if you're feeling extreme guilt or loathe what you see, I can guarantee that it will be that much harder to take steps.

2) Why do I really want to change my weight, look or feel of my body?
Now that you've spent some brief time in #1 figuring out the what, ask why you really want to change.
Is it for someone else such as a spouse, competing friend, or significant other?
Is if for an upcoming event like a reunion, cruise, or wedding?
It is understandable and quite common to want to change for any of the above, but in the end it's just a quick fix. If the person drifts out of your circle or the event comes and goes, where does that leave you? Many times, bouncing back to old habits.
Make the changes for you and you only. You never leave yourself, right? Nor do you become someone else after that event is over. It's always you and only you. Change to feel good, to like what you see, and to extend your life.

3) Am I setting myself up for success or failure?
You can go to the gym every day but if you return home to a kitchen full of candy bars or prepare dinners that are heavy in carbs and sugars and light on the veggies every night, you are actually staying in the same place or getting worse. Unless you are in the position to have a personal chef or a live-in trainer, then you have to own up to your own responsibility to apply what you are learning to what you are living.

4) Do I really understand the foods and habits that will benefit my body and give me the most energy or do I insist on not putting in the effort to learn?
Isn't it funny how the media changes weekly on what's good or bad? It might be tempting to throw your hands in the air in a state of "I can't win," but there are a few simple truths: too many carbs not burned off turns to fat, our bodies use vegetables and fruits better than a lot of sugar and salt, water throughout the day hydrates everything head to toe... see what I'm getting at? We know these truths! It's OK that you may have forgotten. Consider hiring a wellness coach, local nutritionist or dietician to help you remember.

Getting to the root of any obstacles that you may be putting in your own way, making a decision on who you really want to be/look like/feel like, and aligning your actions with those goals will get your train on the tracks for a smooth ride, extending your life. EVERYONE has the ability to make positive health changes. When your actions become aligned with truthful desires, you can do anything you set your mind to.

The Walker Exchange, LLC is a health and wellness promotion company that helps people transition from repeating unhealthy habits in order to transform into "healthy and happy." Owner Noni Walker is a motivational speaker and wellness coach with a unique perspective, "The missing link to your health... is your MIND!" Other speaking topics include fat, fear and forgiveness and their role in health. Specialty coaching services available for weight loss, detoxification and juicing. Call 404-913-1198 to book your next dynamic keynote speaker and schedule life-changing coaching services.
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