I saw an infomercial the other day for a weight loss solution targeting the frustrated people who, “fail to see results from diet and exercise.” I had to scratch my head on that one.
When does good nutrition and exercise fail?
This, of course, is a trick question. Good Nutrition and exercise don’t fail.
The only way for good nutrition and exercise not to work is if you fail to stick with it long enough for the results to show.
Plain and simple. End of story.
I’ve seen more clients than I can count transform their bodies through the power of good nutrition and exercise. Without surgery. Without gadgets. Without pills.
The real question to ask, when you’re not making progress towards your goal, is not why good nutrition and exercise has failed you, but rather why have you not stuck with it?
How to stick with a good nutrition and exercise plan…
I will not downplay the hard work that goes into sticking with a diet and exercise plan, day-after-day, week-after-week, in order to achieve a stunning body transformation.
It takes dedication, focus, energy, determination and a stubborn refusal to quit.
Make no mistake about it: losing fat is hard work!
Which is precisely why so many give up before experiencing the body that they really want to have.
So, you wonder, why are some people able to stick with the process long enough to transform their bodies while others jump ship after a few weeks?
Here are the four steps to sticking with diet and exercise for the long haul…
- Mentally and emotionally lock on to the idea of the new, sexier, you.
You can’t casually date the idea of transforming your body. This isn’t a noncommittal, no-strings-attached relationship – you’ve got to go all in, both mentally and emotionally.
Attach yourself to the idea of a brand new you; focus on how you will feel, what you will wear and how life will improve once you achieve your goal. The stronger your feelings and mental image become, the more likely you are to succeed.
- Keep the game plan as simple as possible.
There is no need for fancy diet plans or complicated exercise movements when it comes to achieving your goals. Keep your game plan as simple and boring as possible, even eating the same meals everyday and exercising at the same time for the same length (with varying intensity), until your goal has been met.
- Plan for the resistance.
It’s naïve to think that your body transformation journey will be all smooth sailing. Realistically you will run into resistance time and time again.
This resistance will come in the form of tempting cheat meals, tired muscles, lazy friends and waning motivation. But, most powerfully, the resistance will come from inside of you. It’s natural to resist change, and transforming the shape of your body is big change. Plan for the waves of resistance. See it coming before it crashes over you, and you’ll be able to stand strong long enough for it to recede without hampering your progress.
- Build in accountability.
This is the most important step by far. It is essential to build accountability into your goals. A friend, a coach (Coach K!) or the Sweat 60 community – someone who has a vested interest in seeing you succeed will save you from throwing in the towel when things get tough.
The support, instruction and encouragement of the Sweat 60 Community will provide accountability to keep you on your path to health and fitness. If you’re not signed up then the time is now!