Don't Try to Lose Weight!

A new year brings in new opportunities and possibilities, motivating us all to set new goals, envision exciting outcomes, and be filled with a greater sense of purpose as we dream about a better future. We start strong and are determined to achieve our goals, expecting success; but, somehow, we eventually lose sight of them and tend to fall back into old patterns and a "settle-for-less" attitude. Nearly 80 percent of New Year's goals (a common statistic in the United States) are never achieved. So, what happens? The variables and circumstances are as diverse as the American population, so let's look instead at what doesn't happen. We are not setting S.M.A.R.T. goals.

S.M.A.R.T. goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. For example, setting a goal to give up donuts when it is your favorite daily breakfast is not a S.M.A.R.T. goal. Setting a goal beginning tomorrow to give up donuts every other day for two weeks, then every two days for the following month, and then enjoying donuts on Fridays only, is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Goals need to be set with gradual outcomes expected, and success rewarded. The above example sets you up for success, can be realistically implemented, and provides the reward of enjoying donuts on Fridays!

Losing weight is the most common New Year's goal in the U.S. The struggles, disappointments, failures, depression, and defeat experienced by the American population are paramount, as statistics of obesity increase every year. Sixty-four percent of the U.S. population is overweight or obese (National Institute of Health, NIH.gov). There is a solution.

More important than setting a S.M.A.R.T. goal, is focusing on what matters the most. A two-year study at the University of California at Davis compared women following a calorie-restricted diet and exercise program with women focused on a healthy lifestyle and self-acceptance, instead of weight loss. The first group of women on calorie restrictions regained more weight than they initially lost and didn't show improvements in cholesterol or blood pressure. The second group of women focusing on lifestyle without counting calories had long-term success in all areas. Calorie-restricted diets cause our metabolism to slow down temporarily, and once we go off the restricted diet, cravings return. Gradually adopting healthy, enjoyable food habits, while balancing other areas of our lives, set us up for success. Ideal Health = Ideal Weight (IH = IW). Besides the obvious poor nutrition and overeating, many factors contribute to an unhealthy weight.

Some of the most common reasons for unhealthy weight gain (or loss) are:

• Family relationships - self-image with family

• Insecurities

• Psychological attitudes

• Depression (emotional eating)

• Inability to cope with stress

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Dehydration

• Boredom

• Lack of exercise

• Food allergies

• Eating too quickly

• Hormonal imbalances

• Amount of sleep

• Smell and taste

• Medical reasons

Once we recognize the causes of our unhealthy weight, we can set S.M.A.R.T. goals with our focus on optimum health. The corresponding benefit of setting goals for overall health is a healthy weight (IH = IW).

Nutrition, hydration, exercise, fresh air and sunshine, sleep and rest, reducing stress, and benevolence all play major roles in achieving optimum health. We will look at each of these in-depth and set S.M.A.R.T. goals together over the next few weeks. Education is empowerment. Join me for next week's blog on Healing through Nutrition!

God designs our bodies to heal when we are faithful stewards of our vessels. You can achieve optimum health and healing through satisfying nutrition and lifestyle choices. Increased vitality, greater purpose, confidence, contentment, and healthy weight are S.M.A.R.T. goals for 2024!

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