Why a Resolution to “Lose Weight” is Terrible, and How You Can Do Better.

New year, new you right?

Every December people get excited about New Year resolutions, and fantasize about their new life in the coming year. The resolution serves as statement to yourself that you’re going to be a better you, and put the struggles of the previous year behind you.

The most common resolution people made this year was to “lose weight”. Whether it was to get in shape for that big trip down south, to look better or to simply feel better…regardless of the reason, weight loss was at the back of most people’s minds as we rang in 2016.

Year after year, people (myself included) ride the enormous New Year’s wave of positivity, in an attempt to muster the confidence to reach their goals. However, no matter how good your intentions, the odds of success are notoriously low.

Why is it so hard to hang on to that motivation and shed those unwanted pounds? Factors including biology, family support and the amount of money you make (to name a few) can dictate your chances of success or failure before you even begin. Not to mention, the food environment we presently live in has a massively negative influence on our weight. The environment affects us in a million different ways (ie. prevalence of processed food, advertising, fat stigma, etc.) all of which can sabotage your hopeful resolution, and crush your “new you” dreams.

So what can we differently, to fight this uphill battle?

Let’s start by understanding why simply resolving to “lose weight” is a bad idea.

Let’s be honest, it’s a little vague. There is no plan of action involved, and the focus is completely on the end outcome of weight loss. It is great to have an outcome in mind, but you need to have a plan in place to get there.

You must create a specific plan, which incorporates healthy eating and exercise. Whether you choose to eat out less, start walking or decide to eat more vegetables, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you make a change, a change that you can ENJOY and sustain.

Some simple strategies to help you:

– Recording your intake in a food diary (there are a lot of great apps to make this a breeze)
– Try new foods/recipes (Take the 52 New Foods Challenge)
– Turn the TV off during meal times
– Use a smaller plate
– Cook from scratch as much as possible
– Reduce the frequency you eat at restaurants / fast food
– Keep a bowl of fruit in plain sight in your home
– Eat with family / friends / roommates as much as possible
– Keep binge-able foods out of the house. If it’s there you’ll eat it.
– DO NOT deprive yourself of the foods you love, but enjoy eating them with mindful moderation

What is most important is that you take the focus OFF weight. Sure the destination is a lighter, healthier you, but we need to focus on how we get there. People do what they enjoy, if you enjoy the plan you have made for yourself, you will be more likely to continue. If you struggle with your weight, always remember that weight does not dictate health. You may not always be okay with how you look or how much you weigh, but by making healthy changes to your life, you are doing your body much more good than meets the eye. Accept yourself, and know a number on a scale does not define who you are.

Focussing on sustaining healthy changes, helps create a lifestyle, where weight-loss is just one of the many side effects.

We are approaching the end of January 2016, and for those Resolutioners who have lasted this long, congrats, and good luck the rest of the year.

For those who have already fallen off the wagon, you need not worry, as it is never too late to make a commitment to a healthier self.