If you have tried to lose weight in the past, as part of a weight loss program or just on your own, you know it?s no piece of cake?literally. Losing weight is hard!
You are aware of the many health benefits of slimming down: decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. It sounds great, right? But what is losing weight really like? Here are three things doctors and medical weight loss clinics probably won?t talk about.
- You might get stuck on a wild emotional rollercoaster.
When you diet, you will probably be cutting out all kinds of foods you are used to eating. You might even have to avoid foods you love. This alone can make a person incredibly irritable. If you are doing it right, you will be avoiding excess sugar, and this drop in blood-sugar levels might also make you a little grumpy. You probably won?t feel like yourself for at least a few days, but wait it out. Your mood should balance out after some time. - It can get lonely.
One thing they probably won?t prepare you for at the weight loss clinic is the intense isolation you might feel if you are dieting alone. A lot of social outings revolve around food, so most people who are trying to lose weight just avoid these situations completely to prevent temptation. To avoid this loneliness, look for support from people who are in the same boat. Find a running buddy or a friend to cook healthy meals with. If you have a significant other, try to get them to join you on your quest for a healthier lifestyle. - You don?t have to run a marathon to get in shape.
You are not an Olympian and you don?t need to train like one. Setting your fitness goals too high will just overwhelm you and lead to disappointment. Rather than trying to do a whole hour of nonstop exercise, just make sure you are including some moderate physical activity into your daily routine. Take a brisk walk after lunch and again before bed, for instance. As long as you are moving more than you were before, you are on the right track.