We live in times where everything is fast: fast-food, fast money, fast delivery, fast weight-loss… In the information era, people are used to getting what they want with the snap of their fingers. No one wants to wait; we want it and we want it now. Unfortunately, this attitude reflects on many aspects of our lives, from simple purchases to lifestyle choices. No wonder there are so many people in trouble financially or in poor health. We are constantly driven by instant pleasure and satisfaction. The problem is that more often than not, the state of happiness lasts only for a few moments. As it fades, it leaves a feeling of emptiness, creating the need for more.
Furthermore, because of this type of behavior, many people fall into traps over and over, hoping that this time it will be different. A good example is weight-loss. The weight-loss industry exploits this need for instant gratification in people to sell products that are ineffective and sometimes, even dangerous. That’s the case with many weight-loss drugs and supplements that promise quick results. Most of the time, they simply don’t work. However, in a few cases it may cause embarrassing side effects (explosive diarrhea!) and even death (remember the fen-phen[1]?).
It seems that we are always looking for the magic pill that will reverse years of body abuse. Yes, years. You don’t gain weight in a few days; it usually takes years (or months) of overeating and under-exercising to misshape our body. So why do we firmly believe that we can shape up in a few days? That’s all a part of the instant gratification mentality.
If you really want to lose weight, if it is really that important to you, you first need to understand that it takes time. Weight-loss is a long process that requires serious lifestyle changes and is far from easy. You will most likely experience ups and downs, and you must be able to endure through the hard times. Establishing a strong base of social support may help you remain motivated in the long run. This is also a great way to create accountability, which helps you stay on track.
To start, you must be determined to do it. Your mindset should be “I will do it” rather than “I might do it.” Reflect on your priorities and see where it falls. Is it the most important thing in your life right now? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to achieve your goal? A common obstacle to weight-loss is that many people set conditions to adhere to the lifestyle changes. If that’s your case, you might not be ready for it, and you should work on removing these roadblocks first. For example, think of how unrealistic it is to make dietary changes if you are not willing to try new foods and preparations.
Self-confidence is also a must-have. You must believe that you are able to do what is necessary to accomplish your goal. Assess your self-confidence. If you are not sure you can do this, you’ll be better off working on small manageable steps (e.g., exercise three times per week) rather than focusing on the big picture (lose 10 pounds). Luckily, self-confidence tends to improve as you progress forward.
Another important quality to possess is patience. Keep in mind that weight-loss is a long-term goal. Rapid weight-loss usually occurs through muscle and water loss, not fat. To get a lean and healthy body, several lifestyle changes must be established first. Your body will slowly adapt to your new lifestyle and will eventually find a new balance point. Think of it as if you were resetting your internal clock. However, this process takes time and you must be willing to wait.
Yet, remember that this is a process, and it does not go in a straight line. You will probably experience moments of euphoria where everything seems to be going well and smoothly, but be prepared for the downs. There will be days, even weeks, in which things will get out of control, making you feel like a failure and pushing you to the edge. But don’t give up. Endure the hard times as best you can, keeping in mind that it will pass. If you were sidetracked for some reason, acknowledge the misstep and pick up where you left off. Perseverance is the key.
Finally, you must accept the body God gave you and do the best you can with it. It is useless to keep thinking how wonderful your life would be if you were as skinny as a movie star. Instead, love and honor what you have and focus on getting a better version of your very own self. Keep in mind that beauty comes in every shape and size.
[1] Fen-phen was the combination of two drugs – fenfluramine and phentermine – that promised rapid and effective weight loss. Even though these drugs were approved by the FDA, they proved to be harmful for long-term use and were withdrawn from the market.