LET GO OF THE HYPE

GRAB HOLD OF A PROGRAM THAT WORKS

Here we are, almost halfway through January, and I've noticed a couple of things indicating people are diving in and getting started on their 2018 health and weight loss resolutions. First, my gym is busier. Now that the kids are back in school, I've noticed a marked increase in the number of people showing up at the Kelowna Family Y every morning. And second, an increased number of messages, along with more and more comments on social media all posted with a sense of great urgency.

Not surprising really. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is so chock-full of occasions to over indulge, that by the time January rolls around, many people feel like, well, rolling to get around. And the extra weight is just the tip of the iceberg. Statistics show that the holiday season always reports a higher incidence of, heart attacks, anxiety, depression and even suicide. But a new year means a fresh start, a do-over, a chance to get it right, to try something new or to finally succeed at reaching those elusive goals. A new year brings hope and with that, motivation. But as my good friend and expert nutritionist, Mark Macdonald says, “...without direction, motivation can only take you so far.”

Don't get me wrong, motivation is definitely needed and it's what prompts us to take that first step. But just like any journey, you need a course to follow to make sure you arrive at the intended destination and not get lost along the way. It's just like my trip to Los Angeles this weekend. The event I'm attending is being held at a venue that I've never been to before. So, before I left, I google-mapped the best route to take from where I was staying. It's obvious that walking out the front door and arbitrarily choosing a direction is no guarantee I'll arrive at the right place. In fact it quite likely that I wouldn't even come close to it. But this is exactly what most people are doing when they buy into the hype and start a diet.

Many people do lose weight on a diet, I'm not disputing that. The problem comes about six months later when they stop following all the restrictions and limitations or they stop taking that miracle pill, injection or drops that guarantees results, metabolism is now damaged and the weight comes back on. Often times even more weight is gained back than was lost while on the diet. And the cycle of yo-yo dieting begins again.

So how do you sift through the hype to find something that will actually help? First, start with yourself. Have a clear vision of what your goals are where you want to go with your health this year. Then ask yourself, these two things: “Why do I want to achieve my goal?” and “What will I gain when I reach it?”. Being clear on your “why” is what will keep you on track and moving forward towards your goals.

Then, be discerning about how you're going to achieve those goals by choosing a program, not a diet. Your “why” will keep you moving, the program provides the path to follow. Ask yourself, “Does this make sense to me?”, “Is it based on any science?”, and the biggie.... “Can I do this for life?” If the answer is 'no' to any of these, I can guarantee your success will be short-lived and you'll be right back at the same place next year with the same weight loss and health resolutions trying again.

It's time to let go of the hype. It's tempting to jump into something that promises instant results when you've just had enough. We've all been there, many more than once. So this year, I invite you to make 2018 the year you become a health champion. Ditch the diets, check out the facts, set a clear vision and get started on a program to take back control of your health for good.

If you're serious about becoming a health champion go to www.fuelignitethrive.com Get started on a program before January 31 and receive 2 free coaching sessions!