This is an excerpt of my Free Weight Loss Plan, the Don’t Go Broke Weight Loss Plan.
Eliminate Obstacles and Temptations
Any journey worth taking has obstacles. Weight loss is no different. However, these obstacles are not insurmountable. You can jump these hurdles if you believe in yourself and plan accordingly.
- If you have bad knees, walk fast or cycle for exercise.
- If you live in a not-so-safe neighborhood, purchase an exercise DVD and work out indoors.
- If you do not know how to cook healthy foods, take a class or buy a healthy cookbook.
- Do not let your friends be an obstacle. If they will not support your new lifestyle, spend less time with them.
Temptations can be eliminated.
- You can remove all of the unhealthy foods in your kitchen. Do not use your kids as an excuse. They should not be eating those foods either.
- When grocery shopping, only buy what is on your list.
- When you plan to eat an unhealthy treat, buy it on that day and throw away the rest. Do not put it in your refrigerator or cupboard.
Strategize and plan.
Get Support
You can lose weight by yourself, but it is easier when you have support. An ideal situation would be if you could find someone to go down the weight loss journey with you. That way you can encourage and support each other as you drop the pounds.
You may not be that lucky. However, your support does not have to come from someone who is also trying to lose weight.
- You need cheerleaders.
- You need people who believe in you and encourage you.
- You need people to tell you it is not the end of the world when you slip up.
- You need people who provide a shoulder to cry on when you are fed up.
- You need people who provide a kick in the pants when you are complacent.
It does not have to be one person. It can be many. Ask your family, friends, or coworkers to be there for you. Even if they do not help you, ask them to not be an obstacle. You already have enough of those.
Weight loss can be enhanced and better maintained with strength training. For more information on my favorite strength training tool, read my review of the Bowflex SelectTech Dumbbells.
Photo by foxypar4.
Related Posts From Dr. Kal
- Weight Loss Starts With Behavior Change
- Free Weight Loss Plan
- You Are Positively In Control
- A New Day
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love your advice regarding obstacles. There is no doubt that there are tremendous obstacles to getting fit. You can give in to any of these obstacles and turn them into excuses, or you can rise to the challenge. I always think of Dr. Randy Pausch when I think of obstacles.
“Brick walls are there for a reason. They let us prove how badly we want things.”
To get fit is no insignificant achievement. You really have to want it. When you come across your obstacles think of them as a chance to prove that you want to be fit rather than an obstacle to being fit. It is amazing what changing your mindset can get you.
M.
Honestly I think the support bit is the most important part, no matter how one finds it or in what form.
Mark – I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I have never heard that quote from Dr. Pausch, but I love it.
Mary – I agree that support is important. You probably get much support at Green Mountain.