weight loss is a bunch of bs

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.  

via GIPHY

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.