Keep an Eye on Your Goal

Last week I was fortunate enough to be in Vancouver for a few days. The morning after my arrival, I went out for a jog across from Stanley Park. Without a doubt it was one of the most enjoyable runs I've had in a long time. The reason: I was outside. Although a lot of you had told me how much you were nibbling at night, and how little exercise you were doing, I hadn't realized myself how little time I had spent outdoors this long winter. Just being outside, with good footing, wearing light clothes and getting fresh air was invigorating. So, if you've been off-track with eating or exercise, don't be discouraged. As the snow melts, I know everyone will have more energy and more focus. In the meantime, review your goals. If you are struggling with your eating, you may have lost sight of why you want to lose weight.

When you are feeling stalled, (and I'm sure a lot of us are feeling that way right now), it's important to review your goals. Don't give up; start making a list of the important reasons for you to lose weight.

Health may be a major factor. Remember that increased abdominal girth is associated with diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, hypertension and maybe even dementia. So, you might say to yourself that you want to lose 2 inches off your waist as a start.

Being in control of your eating is a positive thing. So many people spend a lot of negative energy remembering only all of the "bad food choices" they have made. When you are eating good quality food in reasonable portions you will feel mentally and physically better. Focus only of doing a good job today; don't worry about the long term and don't reflect on past failures. Just know that if you eat well today you will go to bed feeling proud of your eating accomplishments.

Being fit can be a very important goal. This means different things to different people. Maybe you just want to be able to walk upstairs and not feel breathless. You may want to lose weight to decrease the aches and pains in your joints and muscles. Perhaps you've always wondered if you could walk or jog 5 or 10 km; it IS possible. Doing regular physical activity is a great stress reliever. Even if you feel tired at the end of a day, a short walk or a trip to the gym will heighten your energy and you'll be less likely to over-eat.

A lot of us want to lose weight to gain self-respect and confidence. It's true that as we lose weight, fit into smaller clothes and tone up we feel great. This is a very important. However, we can't expect to lose weight continually and we shouldn't beat ourselves up for every indiscretion. Losing weight is a marathon; not a sprint. At the end, however, you will feel amazing.

So, get ready for spring with a powerful mindset and a re-affirmation of why you want to lose weight. This is a mental game, and it takes daily work, but the benefits are huge, so keep working at it.

Don't ever give up. You can do it.

Dr. Doug