It’s that time of year, isn’t it?
When all the ‘influencers’ will be out in force all over social media with how you should change your life. All based on their program/content which may (most likely will) be charged for.
How do you sort out the good from the bad?
It is relatively easy I have to say, and this is the guide. If they promise you something that seems too good to be true, then it is.
It doesn’t matter what the promise is. Whether that be losing weight, changing body shape, getting fitter/stronger, if they tell you that it can be done in ‘X number of weeks’(usually 6-12), then you are being led astray. Why?
Well, of course if you make a dramatic change in any of those things listed above then you might see some change. No denying it. Pay close attention to that word ‘dramatic’, though.
Let’s use nutrition as an example.
If you dramatically change the way you eat over 6-12 weeks then you will likely lose weight.
You’ll be hungry all the time, but lighter. Then what? Do you want to, are you going to be hungry for the rest of your life? Therein lies the problem.
What happens after you’ve realised that you simply cannot continue with the dramatic change?
Usually, the weight will go back on as you return to ‘normal’ eating habits and you are back where you started, until you go on the next ‘New Year, New Me’ diet.
Sadly, that is the case for many, many people.
What about exercise?
If you dramatically change the way you exercise you will likely get a bit of strength (or a change in body composition depending on what you chose as your goal).
In order to do that you will HAVE to change you eating habits.
You will be tired all the time initially, and unless properly advised may be hungry too.
Worse, go too hard too soon and you might get injured.
It’s hard to keep that regime going in that fashion.
Which is why the gyms are busy in January, and not so busy in February.
The point I’m hoping to make here is that ‘New Year, New Me’ doesn’t come easily. And nor should it.
Why do we believe that we can undo years of poor eating and general lack of movement in a few weeks? We can’t. It’s not THAT easy. There IS a way though.
So how do we do it? What do we do?
Make the changes you want to make, but don’t set too high expectations too soon.
Realise that anything that is worth having takes Time. Patience. Work.
Acknowledging that there will be peaks and troughs and not be phased by that.
Think LONG TERM, not short term.
Be in it for the long haul and plan your change(s) accordingly.
Give yourself every chance to succeed, because it IS worth it to move more, eat better, sleep better, feel better.
You are changing your lifestyle, not the washer fluid in your car.
Best wishes to all for 2023.
