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Thursday, May 10, 2007
Unrealistic expectations
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• On TV’s The Biggest Loser, participants lose upwards of 10 pounds each week.
• Ads for a local weight loss center scream “Lose 30 pounds in 8 weeks!”
• A Website advertises “The 12-Day Body Shaping Miracle.”
• Amazon.com sells a book called “6-Day Body Makeover: Drop One Whole Dress or Pant Size in Six Days and Keep it Off” and another called “5 Days to a Flatter Tummy”
• A newly popular diet clams to “flush fat from your body” as if it was as easy as flushing a toilet!
• “Lose 14 inches in one hour with body wrapping!”
I am not making any of these up, and I could go on and on with examples of ways in which diet hawkers, supplement makers, and lots of other people out to make a quick buck are not only willing to part us from our money, but are building a whole lot of unrealistic expectations among America’s ever growing population of overweight, obese and out-of-shape people. When we try these diets, we may succeed a little at first, but we ultimately fail to actually lose 10 pounds a week or get in shape in well under a month, and then we start believing we are the wrong type of “losers.” The type of losers who will never succeed.
We are living in a world of unrealistic expectations when it comes to losing fat and getting in shape. And that makes doing it the right way — eating healthy, balanced meals; exercising; and working to build muscle — extra-difficult. It’s already hard to get motivated to eat well, exercise and lift weights. And, yes, it can be hard work to actually do these things (though maybe not as hard as you think!). But then when you work hard and do all the right things, and DON’T lose 10 pounds in one week, you feel like you’ve FAILED because of all these unrealistic expectations. And THAT makes it extra-hard.
So, we need to realign our expectations with the truth, with real-life, and with what really points to success:
• Improved muscle tone and strength!
• More energy!
• Better ability to sleep soundly!
• Increased heart and lung function!
• LASTING FAT LOSS rather than superficial, unlasting water/muscle loss!
And I could go on and on with examples of what “doing it the right way” can REALLY do for you! By the way, these things have made an awesome difference in my life!
So, what do YOU believe when it comes to losing weight?
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