Before You Begin Your Weight Loss Resolution

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Most of us will endure another week of holiday eating before our weight loss resolution kicks in. Initially, January 2nd, we start out so determined, this time I’m really going to do it! But then the first football play-off party, bridal or baby shower invite arrives and bam, you lose your resolve and cave in before that chicken wing idol.

Now you’re discouraged. Why bother, I’ve failed again! No you haven’t. Life is a process, a learning experience and a journey of successes and failures. Only one person was perfect and we are not Christ. Weight loss isn’t easy but it sure is rewarding when you conquer any addiction. And you know what? Success gives you confidence.

Before you begin, understand physiology:

Weight, among other reasons, fluctuates with stress, the time of day, (or month) or the sodium you consumed. Rather than trust your scale, ask yourself: how do my clothes fit? How much energy do I have? How does my complexion look? All these are much better indicators of healthy or unhealthy living.

Weigh yourself, then put away your scale. Weight is relative, health is not! A pint equals a pound. A couple of cups of coffee and you are a pound heavier. Take a shower, your hair is wet, you’re heavier. It’s an illusion, it’s not unhealthy weight. Excess fat is unhealthy.

Besides weighing oneself daily is discouraging – if it doesn’t come quickly enough, the tendency is to give up. We are an instant gratification society but instant anything doesn’t teach us how to strategize against challenges. On the contrary, it makes us spoiled, demanding children. So weigh yourself every couple of weeks or better yet go by how energetic you feel and look.

Don’t forget to breathe, enjoy life and take time to laugh! Find ways to relax. Stress increases toxic conditions. Toxins increases insulin levels, making the body work harder which tires us. When one is tired the body nags us for food to regain that energy. The quickest energy is sugar which raises insulin levels and thus it’s a vicious circle.

Start cleaning out those toxins. All those sugary desserts, alcoholic drinks  and fattening foods contribute to an unhealthy acidic pH. This ages us while stressing out the kidneys and liver, making them work harder to detoxify our system. Our pH should to be around 7.3 which is a healthy alkaline level (that’s another post.) Simply consuming the most colorful fruits vegetables will supply many wonderful nutrients as well as fiber, to get you back on track.

Begin by flushing out toxins with lemon water, consuming lots of green leafy vegetables and fibrous fruits. Try cleansing your digestive tract with water-based foods such as vegetable soups and juices for several days. Steer away from the cream-based soups for now. Consuming tomato, vegetable beef, chicken noodle, hearty pea or bean soups instead as wonderful alternatives.

Vary caloric intake too. It’s shakes up metabolism. If you normally consume approximately 1800 calories per day, one day consume 1200, the next 1500, the next 2200 and the following day 1600. But do not starve! When one loses weight they’ll also lose muscle, which burns fat. When they gain, especially without exercising, they’ll gain fat back. One can’t outsmart a fat cell. Starving will simply slow metabolism to a crawl which begins “yo-yo” dieting.

Be determined! God wants you healthy and so do I, so stay tuned for more practical healthy tips over the next weeks.

.