When I talk to someone about weight loss, I always ask why they want to lose weight. If the reason for weight loss is a school reunion, wedding, or other specific date, I warn against occasional dieting. Dieting for an occasion is occasional dieting, and occasional dieting doesn’t work! When you diet with a particular date in mind, you feel like there is an end in sight. When the date is reached, you can stop exercising and eating healthy, right? Well, if you do, then the weight will come back on. I encourage people to avoid occasional dieting at all costs. Occasional dieting causes weight loss and gain and puts you right back where you started.
What I want to hear when I ask why someone is trying to lose weight is “for myself. To feel better!” The best reason to follow a healthy diet is for an increase in your quality of life. Some people comment that eating healthy and exercising doesn’t guarantee extra years added to your life. But is that really what it’s all about? In my opinion, the most important aspect of living a healthy life is the increased energy and ability to do anything you want in life! My husband believes in being fit so that he can climb a mountain or tackle any other physical task. We went on vacation to Hawaii and climbed a volcano together. That experience was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Our healthy eating and exercise doesn’t guarantee any certain length of life, but we’re sure having fun with the time we have!
I encourage you to embark on a healthy lifestyle with no end in sight. In fact, imagine yourself exercising and eating healthy well into your 80’s or even 90’s. I love to imagine going for bike rides and hikes with my husband late in life. I can’t think of a better occasion for a healthy lifestyle than that!
