How Long Will It Take

I have been asked this question so many times, and it is truly impossible to answer. We are trying to establish lifelong habits of healthy eating and regular exercise. Speed is not important, the regular habits are.

The long-term solution is to have proper habits of eating smaller quantities and exercising regularly. We are not in a race. Also, we cannot assess each day or each meal or each exercise session as a ‘success' or a ‘failure.' We can only be happy with each time we make a positive change in becoming healthy.

Young athletes cannot expect their coach to tell them when they will set the Olympic record. That will occur when the habits of hard training and proper physical and mental skills are all in place. This could take a long time.

Similarly, achieving an ideal weight depends on ultimately having those daily habits of eating well and exercising. It's learning how to do both of these things and learning how to get back on track when events in our lives take our focus off of our goal.

Just keep trying, keep looking for solutions, and don't dwell on frustrations and ‘perceived' failures. Don't waste any emotions on self-criticism.

Your weight and fitness will improve, and your goal will be achieved! Keep pushing forward, no matter what obstacles jump in your way. You CAN do this!

Dr. Doug