“Resolution Revolution”
When the words New Year are uttered together, generally it’s in a phrase like “Happy New Year” or “What’s your New Year’s Resolution?”. But since most people don’t see anything happy about resolutions I’m here to tell you that if you want a Happy New Year, forget the resolutions.
Here are some facts about resolutions:
So I ask you, “Why bother?” Resolutions appear to be a waste of time to me. At my age, things that are a waste of time are not on my agenda. Time is too precious. So is life for that matter. If weight loss is a concern to you then resolutions are not going to do a thing for you. What you want is something for the long haul. At least that is what I want. When it comes to weight loss I don’t want to be making the same resolution again next year at this time. I want something without an expiration date. Something that will become part of who I am, not something I will discard when Valentine’s Day comes around.
As a nutrition coach I have found that for the majority of people there is only one thing you have to figure out if you want to lose weight and that is, What is screwing up your metabolism?
Our metabolism and how it works is the key.
Like a car’s engine, if it’s not properly cared for it won’t run optimally. The same goes for our metabolism. We need to wake it up every morning, fuel it right during the day and let it rest properly every night.
That’s all there is to it!
Truly!
Since our bodies are made up of cells which make up our organs, muscles, and bones, FUEL encompasses both food AND exercise. Both are required to make our engines work.
Those requirements are different for every single person. That’s why it’s up to us to figure out what makes our engine tick.
And that engine is with us for the long haul so until we decide to care for it for the long haul, any “resolution” that isn’t a lifestyle is worthless.
Think of it this way.
If you decide to sign up for a marathon, are you going to go out and jog around the block in your new running shoes and spandex and claim you are ready to run the 26.2 miles required? Good luck with that!
If I’m training my sled dog team to run in a 30 mile sled dog race I’m not going to buy harnesses and a sled, hook them up and say “Mush!” I wouldn’t make it out of the starting chute.
What is needed in both scenarios above is conditioning.
And that is exactly what our metabolism needs, conditioning!
And that is a long term project that takes years to perfect, just as it took years to put on those extra pounds and flab.
Don’t get me wrong, results can often be seen quickly but for a metabolism to work efficiently, long term care is needed. Not a quick fix with an expiration date.
So if weight loss is your goal in 2014, forget the resolution and make it a goal for 2014 through 2044 and beyond.
Find out what makes your metabolism tick, then figure out how to make that happen.
If you don’t know how to do that or where to start, get help.
There are lots of coaches like me around eager to help.
Personally, I like to help people in person, on the phone, on SKYPE, or via email and online.
I also coach groups where corporate coworkers, families or communities can help each other reach their goals.
There is a plethora of information available out there. Just make sure you choose something that is sustainable for the long haul. When you do that you’ll not only reach your weight loss goals but you’ll be healthier as well.
Remember, NO expiration date!
Here are some articles posted elsewhere on this blog that might give you some ideas on how to get started.
Here is an article I wrote for a local magazine a few years ago:
A program I coach is called the TLS Weight Loss Solution. Here is some info on that program. In 2014 you could start a “Resolution Revolution” and be on your way to a lifestyle change with TLS.
As I greet 2014 I’m thrilled at not making any resolutions this year regarding weight loss because this is my 8th year of being exactly at my goal weight. And I’m never going back.
My New Year’s Wish for you is a very…