Success Does Not Come From Fads and Tricks: the R.E.A.L Solution

We are constantly bombarded with advertisements, reports, and articles that promise "fast results" when it comes to weight loss. Millions of dollars are spent each year on books, DVDs, pills, and gadgets, and inevitably, the same thing happens: the weight comes back. Sometimes it brings a few extra friends. This creates frustration and guilt. We get angry. We quit. Sometimes it leads to obsession. There is only one way to get out of the vicious cycle of gain and lose.

You've got the first tool you need: desire to lose the weight. If you didn't want it, you wouldn't be compelled to try the fads and tricks. In fact, you want so badly to lose the weight, which is what these companies count on to sell you their products. But the desire is not enough; it needs a partner. Desperation leads us to rash decisions, so we need something to even it out: the R.E.A.L. Approach.

Resolve is defined as: to decide firmly on a course of action. The course of action is not to pop a pill or eat nothing but celery and grapefruit for a week. You must firmly decide on making healthy, lasting changes. This is a long-term change that leads to long-term results. Do you want to keep the weight off for a few months, or for the rest of your life?

Educate yourself on the healthy habits, nutrition, and exercise that work for you. Work with your doctor, a nutritionist, or a fitness professional to find out what is most conducive to your body and your goals. There is no blanket formula, and we are not all the same in our response to food and exercise. More and more research is showing that genetics have a tremendous impact on our metabolic processes. Some people struggle with sugar addiction, while others get the evening snack bug. Learn what does and doesn't work for you.

Accept the idea that This. Is. Work. You get up and go to work every day. You are dedicated and committed to your job, to your family, to your education. To earn a degree, you work for years. To earn a promotion, you work overtime, go above and beyond your duties. You must commit to your health in the same way. Cheating and taking short cuts never turns out well in life. It doesn't work here, either.

Love yourself. As cheesy as this sounds, tackling these types of changes from a place of guilt or shame only leads to criticism and failure. Do this because you love yourself enough to be healthy. You love your family and friends enough to take care of yourself and ensure you'll be around for a long time. Treat yourself with the same care as the people and things you love.

There are no shortcuts, there are no miracle pills, and exercise can't come in a bottle. You have all the tools within you to push past the cycle. You can change. You can succeed. You can thrive.