How to lose weight effectively: it's not the answer you expect.

If you're looking for a quick fix diet, just stop reading now.  If you're looking for some serious habit changes, keep reading.  First and foremost, STOP DIETING!!!  I have been a personal trainer for over 10 years and the best and longest lasting results were from those that made lifestyle and habit changes.  There is no quick fixes to your body, the 20+ you're trying to pull off didn't go on over night so it's not going to come off in one week.

The wrong way to diet:  Anything that is promising you quick results, none of those diets are safe enough to stay on them, and if you think for a moment that you are going to stuck to that diet for the prescribed time frame and then go back to way you were eating.  Think again.  This is what we call a rebound, and I'm sure you've heard of this or gone through it.  You or someone you know goes on a diet and then bounces right back up to their original weight or more.

The right way to "diet:"  Alright, so if you still haven't caught on,  STOP DIETING and start making lifestyle changes.  This is not a fast process it is not and easy process but it is a long lasting process.  What I want you to do right now is make a list of all of your bad habits surrounding what you eat and how you eat, then write down a a list of new habits you would like to have (if you'd like to add in working out, because this IS YOUR new habit list).  I'll give you a moment to write this list:

OK got it?  Ok, now pick a habit to work on for the next 3 months.  Yes, I said three months, my reasoning for this is to give you plenty of time to let the habit go and create a healthier habit in its place. Then for the next three months work on the next habit, within a year you will have four new habits.  When I have clients that need a lifestyle overhaul this is what I have them do, for instance one client I am working with who has not been able to "stick to a diet."  I have revamped the way we are approaching her weight loss and eating habits.  This is what her schedule looks like:

Nov 8 - Feb 8- No sugar

Feb 9 - May 9 - No sugar and include protein into 3 meals

May 9 - Aug 8 - No sugar, include protein into 3 meals and portion control

Aug 9 - Nov 8 - No sugar, include protein into 3 meals, portion control, and only eat in.

So far so good, she is able to manage her cravings, stick to the plan, and is only focusing on one thing.  Even though this process is going to take her a full year to get though it is going to be worth it at the end, because she will not have to worry about a rebound and it will be a healthy way to maintain her life.  These changes are so small and so spaced out that it gives her time to learn new ways of eating without really having to stress about "sticking to a diet."  

Please leave a comment below!  I'd love to hear what you think or have to say, or feel free to email me at fitnesswerqs@gmail.com.