Why do we need to strengthen our resolve for exercise and weight loss?
So, why do we need to strengthen our minds and resolve regarding exercise and weight loss?
The truth is, many of us are pretty weak mentally. We choose the simple option more often than not. In terms of exercise, we often quit when we lose motivation. In terms of what we eat, it’s usually for convenience rather than for health.
When we do diet, we quit when it’s too hard or we don’t get immediate results. Then, we blame the diet rather than ourselves, possibly get a little depressed and take comfort in eating the foods that got us in a bad spot in the first place. Often, this cycle repeats itself. Diet, quit, return to what you were doing, start another diet, quit that and so on.
I'm not a supporter of diets. They might work in the short term, but they don't teach us the skills that will allow us to keep the weight off going forward. In fact, research shows that around 80 percent of people who lost weight while on a diet won't maintain that weight loss for 12 months. Most people will put at least half of that weight back on within 2 years.
Diets don't take into account your personal situation, your fitness level, your dietary intake, or your mindset. You are unique, so you need a plan that suits you, not a diet that has been created for 'everyone'. Cynically-speaking, diets are made to sell books and products, and to make people famous - I believe that they're a bit of a con that aims to take money from people who are desperate to find that elusive 'get fit and healthy pill' that will solve all your problems overnight. Sorry to say, there's no such thing, and there probably never will be. I believe the best way towards health and fitness is to find out more about YOU, YOUR body, YOUR diet, and what makes YOU motivated. This first step of gaining a better understanding of yourself is essential, but one that many people overlook. Doing the exercise is a necessary step, but it is so much more effective when you have a plan of action and a reason for taking action. As the old expression goes, 'if you fail to plan, you plan to fail'.
At FitMental, we to try and help you break the cycle of diets and fads that don't work. The way we do it is to build up your mental strength where you don't need to rely on diets to achieve your goals. We all have it within us to be mentally stronger. We can't control others and what they do, but we definitely can improve our own mindset, and I believe that you can improve yours in general, and especially towards your diet and fitness.