Health and Fitness

Of course the normal reasons people go on a diet in the first place are:

• Feeling unattractive
• Feeling unwell and sluggish
• Your clothes don’t fit
• Feeling very self-conscious
• Health scare

Some of the inherent fears or resistances about choosing to lose weight are:

• You don’t have the time right now.
• It’s too hard.
• You’ll be hungry and have cravings all the time.
• You’ve tried everything but nothing seems to works.
• You won’t have any energy.
• There’s nothing you can do, it’s in your genes, so you never will be a size 6 or 4 or 2.
• And here’s a new one, which has recently cropped up: “With the economy the way it is right now, I really can’t focus on taking care of myself, let alone eating healthy.”

Well it’s true diets don’t work because:

• They are not balanced, so you end up feeling hungry and tired most of the time.
• They often tend to be too rigid.
• You are all alone in the process and don’t have enough of the right kind of support.
• They don’t often deal with the core issues of why you have gained the weight in the first place.
• They do not take into account a person’s individuality.
• They don’t address any hormonal issues.
• They don’t take into account the quality of the food you are actually eating. As in “a calorie is a calorie” which is false statement. A good quality protein, for example, may have more calories than cookies, but what’s better for you? Which one has the most nutritional benefit? The most bang for your buck? I’m sure you know the answer to that question.

A good healthy weight loss program should have the following for ultimate success:

• Able to eat real nutrient-dense quality food that you can find almost anywhere-think piece of fish and broccoli for example.
• Learn how to eat in proper portion sizes.
• Doesn’t eliminate a major nutrient like protein, fat, or carbohydrates. You need them all.
• More concerned with getting the proper food in the proper amounts, not just counting calories.
• Will actually simplify rather than complicate your life.
• Helps burn fat, not muscle, which is much healthier than just looking at a number on the scale.
• Will not leave you feeling hungry.
• Will be individually tailored to your personal needs and concerns-both physically and psychologically.
• Addresses possible food allergies or food sensitivities.
• Has weekly accountability and lifestyle coaching sessions with a qualified expert.
• A flexible program that can be adjusted based on your body, lifestyle, and psychology.
• Focus on hormonal eating-balancing your blood sugar and adrenal or stress hormones.
• Look for a long-term result not a quick fix.
• Adopt healthy eating skills and guidelines that you can use for the rest of your life.
• Learn how to eat responsibly and mindfully. You will feel in control and empowered.
• If you go off track, you can easily get back on because you have the tools.
• Because you understand how food works in your body, you will not be focused on it all the time. You will have more control and pride in how you treat your body.
• You’ll see a difference in your body, brain, energy, and skin.
• Giving your body and brain the right fuel will help you successfully achieve a healthy life.

Until next time-Stay Well!

(c) Monika Klein

Monika Klein, BS, CN. is an award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert. Monika is the “Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach.” Her company, Coaching For Health, offers life transforming weight loss and wellness programs, classes and products throughout the world. To learn more about Monika’s services and programs, visit http://www.coachingforhealth.com.