Making Mature Bodies Fit

7 Reasons Why You Can’t Lose Weight

There are few things more frustrating than not being able to lose weight. You work out like a maniac and eat what you think are all the right foods. But, you still are not at your goal weight. It is nearly summer time and you are facing the horrendous prospect of wearing a bathing suit or shorts and tank tops.

I’ve always been wary of articles that say “Get Six-Pack Abs in 5 Easy Moves,” so I can appreciate why you might be suspicious about this blog post. I’ve tried to provide substantive information about seven barriers that may be standing in your way to reaching your desired weight. I’ve found that it takes commitment and perseverance. And it’s got to be a permanent lifestyle choice or you’ll be on the yo-yo and feel even more demoralized.

1.    Mind 

Your mind is your number one ally when it comes to achieving your goals. Your mind has to be programmed for success or it will do more to derail your efforts.

• Take a few moments each day to visualize yourself at your ideal weight. Imagine how it feels to look the way you’ve always wanted.
• Protect your mind from negative self talk. If a negative thought comes to mind, immediately reject it. I like to say “thinking” to rid myself of any bogus, erroneous thoughts. When I say this, I acknowledge that I’m involved in fruitless mind chatter.
• You want to be thin and fit, and yet you think of yourself as out-of-shape and fat. Re-program your mind to think of yourself as fit and attractive. I frequently refer to myself as a fat little pig, but is that really true? Nor am I of a bovine species. I know this because I have an opposable thumb and forefinger.

2.    Fear

Change makes us nervous, even if it is a change in the right direction. You may not be consciously aware of the fear you have of getting into shape. Until you conquer this fear, your weight loss efforts will be blocked by self sabotage.

Professional speaker and author, Anthony Robbins, has outlined three specific beliefs that you must have in order to conquer your fear and create lasting change.

• Believe that something MUST change. You can’t be wishy-washy about it. You can’t be considering it. You can’t even be pretty sure about it. You’ve got to be rock solid.
• Believe that YOU must change it. You can’t pass the buck of responsibility and expect to lose weight. It’s on your shoulders. Other people will prove to be great assets in your journey, but in the end you are the one who is going to make it happen. You have to want weight loss enough to make it your personal mission.
• Believe you CAN change it. You may have failed in the past, but that doesn’t matter. When you put your mind to it, you’re able to do amazing things. You are capable of losing weight.

3.    Excuses

An excuse takes less effort than an action. Focus on the big reason why you are losing the weight. Make a list of the benefits you’ll enjoy once you achieve your goal, and read them first thing each morning.

4.    Commitment

How many times have you tried to lose weight, only to give up a week or two later? If you truly want to lose weight then your commitment to the process is a must.

• The margin between success and failure is bridged by your commitment. Don’t give up until your goal has been achieved.
• Treat exercise with the same importance as a work meeting to avoid skipping it at the last minute. Find three available 60-minute time slots in your schedule and mark them on your calendar. Stick to your schedule.
• If you don’t give up, then you’ll never fail.

5.    Diet

If you consistently eat the wrong food, then you’re weight loss efforts will be in vain. Bottom line: you need to stop eating junk. Processed foods, refined sugar, and high fructose corn syrup do not belong in your diet if you want to be in great shape. Cut these items out of your diet and replace them with real whole foods like lean meats, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fruits.

• Don’t eat processed foods. They contain tons of empty calories.
• Fat contains twice the caloric density of protein and carbohydrates. Eat lots of lean proteins and wholesome carbohydrates from plants and whole grains.
• Vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts and seeds are filled with fiber and antioxidants which are vital for healthy weight loss. Snack on these instead of packaged treats.

6.    Patience

It takes time to transform your body from fat to fit, even though you may want it to happen overnight. Remind yourself that it took time to put the weight on, so it will take time to take the weight off. When you find your patience wavering, or when you encounter a frustrating plateau, do the following:

• Review your goal. Is it specific and measurable? Is it small and attainable, rather than monumental? Focus on your goal when the going gets tough.
• Make each workout a new experience. Challenge your body with different resistance, new exercises, and a varied pace.
• Remember that anyone can have one great workout, but that won’t get you the body you want. The only way to achieve your goal is by consistently exercising and eating right.

7.    Support

People who exercise alone are less challenged, less accountable, and are more likely to fail. It makes sense. Who would rush to the gym if no one is was waiting for them? Who would push themselves if no one was paying attention? Exercising alone is a recipe for disaster.

• Find a workout partner who is in better shape than you, or better yet, work with a trainer.
• Get professional help with your diet. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say “I know what to eat, it’s just a matter of doing it.” And they tell me the same thing three months later, ad infinitum, all the while packing on the pounds. Being accountable to someone who knows the implications of your diet is invaluable.

I can help you with fitness and diet, but you have to be ready to embark on your last and best weight loss program! You will feel empowered when you do.