You may know the best low-calorie recipes, your doctor has probably told you you’d better get off a few pounds, and maybe you even have a new sports outfit in your wardrobe. However, something is still missing; something you can’t buy at any store and that you’d be willing to pay a fortune to get it: strength of will.
Without a strong will, no diet or exercise plan will work. But, how can we know if we are ready to begin transformation?
Guide To Find Out if You’re Ready
The Mayo Clinic shares, through its website, a series of questions that can help solve the dilemma. Get a piece of paper and begin the questionnaire: all you have to do is answer “yes” or “no” to each question.
1. Are you motivated to make long term lifestyle changes that require eating healthy and exercising regularly?
Be honest. One thing is to know your need to make changes in your life and another is to feel capable of doing it.
2. Do you have any issues that may distract you and affect your commitment to a weight loss program?
If you have more important matters, such as marital problems, job stress, health or financial concerns, consider giving your life a chance to calm down before starting a weight loss plan.
3. Do you admit there are no quick fixes?
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is a lifelong process. You can lose weight quickly at first, but over time it is best to lose weight at a moderate, but steady pace. You may lose up to 1-2 pounds (0.5 – 1 Kg) per week.
4. Have you solved any eating disorder or other emotional issues that may hinder your weight loss goals?
If you’re prone to binge eating, purging, fasting, or exercising excessively, or if you’re depressed or anxious, you may need professional help.
5. Are you ready to change your eating habits? In theory, it may seem simple, but in practice it isn’t. Leaving aside certain behaviors and developing new habits can be difficult, but possible!
6. Do you feel motivated to do more physical activity?
Increasing your physical activity level is essential to lose and maintain weight.
7. Are you realistic about your weight loss goals? Remember that by losing 5 to 10% of your current weight you will improve your health if you’re overweight or obese. This means that if your current weight is 200 pounds (91 Kg), you may want to lose between 10 and 20 pounds. Ask your doctor how much weight you should actually lose.
8. Do you have friends or relatives who can support your effort?
It can be very helpful to have someone’s support. If you don’t have it, consider the possibility of joining a support group for weight loss.
9. Do you have time to keep track of your meals and physical activity?
This record will help you increase your chances of success. You’ll be surprised to see how keeping track of your progress will help you reach your goals.
10. Are you willing to look back at the events and mistakes of the past in losing weight and other areas of your life? Learn from them past which things motivate you. Work to resolve the barriers that may prevent success.
11. Do you think a weight control program is a positive experience?
Losing weight doesn’t have to be a bad experience. Many people feel better when they’re active and losing weight.
Find out if you’re ready or not!
If you’ve answered yes to all the questions, then you’re ready to make the necessary changes in your lifestyle in order to lose weight permanently!
If you had one or more negative answers, you’re not ready. This is a good opportunity to rethink what’s going on and deal with obstacles. To do this, get help. You can consult a dietitian to learn more about food and solve your questions. You can also go to a psychologist to help you change some habits or ideas you might have about food.
