Do you want to lose weight, tone up, and transform your body but feel like the odds are against you? If so, you are not alone. The desire to lose weight is the number one reason people start an exercise program or diet. If your goal is to have a fit and lean physique, read on to make sure you are not making these common body transformation mistakes.
Mistake #10: Blaming something or someone else for the way you are.
Everyone has excuses. You travel for work and eat most of your meals in restaurants. You have a slow metabolism. You don’t have time to exercise. In order for you to be successful in changing your body, you must take responsibility for yourself and your actions. It’s easy to blame something or someone else for the way you are- but it’s not going to help you fit back into your skinny jeans.
Mistake #9: Not believing you can.
I have met many people plagued with self-doubt. People who don’t believe in themselves say “I will try” rather than simply “I will”. If you have tried and failed before in an attempt to lose weight, it can be difficult to believe that change is possible. Henry Ford said it best: “Whether you believe you can, or you can’t you are right”. Transforming your body is possible- if you believe in yourself.
Mistake #8: Dieting.
Diets work – for a short while. Conventional diets can slow your metabolism and are often too restrictive to maintain for any length of time. Any form of calorie restriction will cause weight loss- but most diets cannot be maintained for life. Unfortunately, the majority of people who diet and lose weight gain the weight back, and more, within a year. Instead of going on a diet, follow a healthy eating plan that you can maintain for the rest of your life. If you are on a short term restrictive diet to kick start your weight loss, make sure you have a healthy eating plan to follow to maintain your goal weight.
Mistake #7: No accountability.
Very few people can make permanent lifestyle changes without being accountable to someone else. If you want to experience success, find someone to hold you accountable to your workouts and eating plan. Have that person review your food and exercise journal on a weekly basis and monitor your progress.
Mistake #6: Lying to yourself.
How often do you lie to yourself? “It doesn’t count if I only eat the broken crackers”, “I walked a lot today – I don’t need to exercise” or “my diet is pretty good; I don’t know why I am not losing weight”. Be honest with yourself! Just like blaming others for the way you are, lying to yourself might make you feel better, but it won’t help you shrink your waistline!
Look for my next article for the top five body transformation mistakes.
Tanja Shaw is a Kinesiologist and personal trainer, specializing in weight loss, group fitness, pre and postnatal fitness, and health and wellness programs. She owns Ascend Fitness Coaching, which offers Boot Camps, mom and baby fitness classes and personal training in the Chilliwack area. Reach her at tanja@ascendfitnesscoaching.com.