This time of year, I usually post something really inspirational or talk about steps to setting smart New Year's Resolutions.  I should post photos like this one, saying that it is possible to lose weight and you can do it! 

This year, I've decided to approach the New Year with being completely blunt.  Being healthy is hard, losing weight is hard, and staying on track is even harder.  Don't believe anyone who is telling you otherwise. 

LOSING WEIGHT IS A BUNCH OF BS

Here are 5 of the biggest BS weight loss myths

1.  ANYONE CAN LOSE WEIGHT
This seems logical, but it's really not the case.  First off, some people truly have thyroid, adrenal, hormonal issues, or other health problems that make it very hard for them.  Second, some people simply don't have the right mind set.  This can be because of mental health issues, stress, or laziness.  Yes, I said that.  There are some people that are really just lazy personalities that are not going to put forth the effort.  Personally, I haven't had anyone like that walk through my door, but we all know them.  

2.  YOU JUST NEED SOMEONE TO HELP YOU
This is the one that I come across a lot as a trainer and health coach.  Clients come to me looking for an "accountability partner".  It doesn's matter if it's a professional partner or a friend.  No one can convince you or guide you to your goals if you aren't willing to hold yourself accountable.  Now, having someone to help you clear the path and be supportive can really be very helpful.  But don't confuse that with the fact that it is completely on you to follow through.  You can have someone hold your hand, but not drag you.  

3.  THERE IS A PERFECT DIET
There is NOT a diet or exercise plan out there that is going to work for every person.  If there was, someone would be really rich and no one would be overweight.  I am not some kind of magician and no one else is either.  

YOU already know what you need to do.  You have to ask yourself why you are looking for the magic diet.  In the end, most people are looking for the magic diet that is an easier diet.  Unfortunately that doesn't exist.  

 4.  NEW YEAR NEW YOU
The New Year Resolution diet is rarely going to work.  Why?  So many reasons.  First, we are naturally driven to eat more in the colder months to pack on fat for survival and January is cold.  It's also boring and you're stuck indoors.  Summer is actually a better time to get healthy.  We naturally eat lighter and are more active.  It's much easier to take your mind off a craving and go outside when it's 85 than when it's 35.  Also, Resolutioners often have the same resolutions every year and still don't put any actually planning into it.  Weight loss takes some thought and planning.  Which brings me to number 5.

5.  ONCE YOU START IT'S EASY

IT IS NOT EASY

You have to be willing to be fully honest and realistic about the journey.  The journey is fraught with frustration and pitfalls.  It is not anyone's intention to fail.  And I don't really like that word because, it sounds negative.  Failing can be a learning experience.  The reality is, we all let others down, we let ourselves down.  Life gets in the way. In my experience, clients start out feeling hugely confident and after a week or two, they start making excuses as to why they can't make it in to see me.    You need open, guilt-free communication with yourself and your "accountability partner".  You have to be willing to say what is on your mind in your quiet moments.  Those  moments of frustration and reality.  Telling the half truth to get a pat on the back is not going to help you meet your goals.  You know when you are being honest with yourself.  

YOU ARE IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

I've said many times before, the secret is simply consistency in what you are doing.  Find something that works and stick to it as best you can.  

Nothing in life comes easy.  You have to work hard to get ahead.  Keep moving forward.  Stay the course. Don't let anything hold you back. 

​Ok, you get the idea.  What I'm trying to say here is, if you want to be healthy you have to make it a

CONSISTENT FOCUS IN YOUR LIFE. 

I don't care if your path looks like this.

All of us have well worn paths that we are still on, some that didn't take us anywhere, and others that were once great paths, but not so much anymore.  

Think about all nutritional plans that you have tried.  Maybe some worked for a while, then didn't or the one the lasted about a day because eating kale for 6 meals a day was a little much. 

You tried the diet that helped Betty Sue in HR lose 50 pounds.  You lost 3. 

Or the soda habit that you kicked 20 years ago.   Way to go!

Exercise has changed as well.  No more step aerobics or kickboxing. 

Maybe you tried joining the millions of gym goers and spent an hour a day on the treadmill at 3.5 mph and a 4% incline for 5 years straight!  

Just shoot me!

Crossfit was not your cup of tea.  You hate getting "bulky".

Along the way, you changed as your life changed.  You changed as fads changed.  

The underlying concept is the consistency to keep health a priority in your life.  Getting off track happens to the most healthy people.  Even those that advocate health.  Check out Gary Augustine Warren's story.  

The more consistent the effort, the more success you'll see.  

Jack Lalanne didn't eat sugar after the age of 15.  What?  Crazy control!  And he was extremely healthy because of his dedication.  His quality of life was envied by everyone. 

My husband and I are healthy.  We are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but we try to limit sugar and junk.  We focus on protein to maintain muscle and workout at least 3 times per week. 

We get off track, get stressed, eat crap and start to feel the effects. 

We reset, get focused and start over. 

It's a cycle because health is always a focus. 

Find what works for you.  Any diet will do, as long as you can and will be consistent.  Any exercise will do, as long as you can and will be consistent.  

STAY THE COURSE!