the right time to start?

I started writing this column back in January, aiming it at those who were sedentary, hopefully encouraging them to become active and those who were overweight, hopefully encouraging them to become healthy. Spring is now upon us with summer knocking on the door. The layers of clothing that have been protecting us throughout the winter are already starting to be peeled off. Do we like what we see? Are we enjoying how we feel?

I don’t believe in focusing on a ‘number’ weight. It can be detrimental to an extent and very limiting as there are too many factors it doesn’t take into account. Yet most wanting to ‘shed fat’ are focused on losing ‘x amount of kgs’ rather than saying they want a healthy and functional body. So based on that, do you realise since I started writing, if you had taken change on board, losing weight at the rate of half a kilo a week, right now you would be 16 kilograms lighter.

We want to lose 10 kilos by next week! It isnt even close to achievable, so instead we do nothing? Yet by now, you COULD have had that physical change. At a slow, steady, sustainable rate. If you’ve sat there and remained with the mindset of ‘oh I WILL start tomorrow, next week, in a month, when it’s easier’ - the possibility is quite high you are actually even heavier and unhealthier, then the year’s beginning. What would it take to help you make a positive change? What would it take to help you see that you are important enough to deserve a strong, healthy and functional body? What words could I speak to encourage and motivate you? What actions could I take?

 

As the world becomes more technologically advanced, we become more sedentary. Alongside the convenience of processed food Australia’s obesity numbers continue to rise drastically. It becomes very frustrating when you regularly witness inaction, knowing how exciting it is to receive a daily dose of adrenalin, no matter what size you are. How wonderful people could feel, ‘if only’, they began. Somewhere.

Losing body fat, is not hard - exercising is not hard, eating healthy is not hard; the hardest part is just getting started. That’s right, getting started and becoming consistent is the hardest part. The facts come down to, nothing “I” write, say or do will alter you. The only person who can help you, is YOU. It’s a decision. And it has to be a determined and focused decision to reap results.

Over these next couple of months before summer arrives, start making changes each week. Do you think you could? Because the next 32 weeks will go just as swiftly. If you haven’t already, introduce exercise on a regular basis. I’d like to make it sound easy and say, nice gentle exercise, but if you’re after serious weight loss, you need serious butt kicking sweat happening! Start. Simply start.
De-junk food your house - few of us are made of willpower. If it’s not in the house there is no chance at all you can eat it!

Prepare your menus and shopping list - it keeps you on target. Diet pills, shakes, bars don’t deliver the nourishment your body is craving. Low-calorie diet foods are devoid of natural nutrients. Take the time to learn how to really eat. Prepare your meals knowing exactly what it is you are munching on.

Recruit family and friends to join you to become active and to eat nutrient rich - don’t let others undo your success. We all have great family and friends but sometimes they don’t realise that what they’re doing is not necessarily helpful.

Stretch out of your comfort zone. Achieving results requires commitment, perseverance, determination and passion.

In another 32 weeks, where will you be? There’s now an opportunity to start today, right now, and in 32 weeks be up to 16 kilos lighter. Or. there is also the possibility of course, in 32 weeks you could be sitting there, a heavier version of yourself, still reading this column, and still just hoping for things to change.

What do you want to achieve? Are you committed enough to yourself to make changes? It does take effort but the fantastic results make it of great benefit.

To those of you that somewhere along the past few months HAVE started a new journey and persisted with creating positive change for yourselves, a huge congratulations. I am always inspired by your achievements and love hearing about the changes life brings as your health improves. Keep sharing, and keep telling others about the benefits you are achieving. Let’s get the Whitsundays healthy!

Train hard. Eat well. Yeah, kick some butt! You know you’re worth it! Ann


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Questions/thoughts to annparrott@optusnet.com.au • 0412 753 899