Get Healthy - Lose Weight. But How

By John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services

Once again, the holiday season is behind us, and spring is fast approaching. And once again, many of us have made New Year’s resolutions to get more exercise, eat a healthier diet and lose weight. But how do we do it? There are many temptations and threats that can derail our efforts such as our own physical and emotional needs, as well as those of spouse and kids. There is the kindness of coworkers who bring food to share, the stress of business meals, having dinner with friends and eating while on vacation. Television snacking, cruise ship spreads and physical illness also affect our appetites.

It doesn’t matter what diet or exercise program you choose. Really. It doesn’t. Because the only way to lose weight is to consume less calories than you burn in a day. If you do that, you will lose weight, no matter what you eat. And in a similar vein, the only way to become more physically fit is to exercise. Period.

Okay, I know. You know that already. So, how do we hold onto the changes we’ve made and not slip back into old habits? Well, like many things the answer is easy, the application harder. The real challenge is to have and maintain the continual focus and discipline to control your calorie intake balanced with your level of exercise, which also takes discipline. With each and every food and exercise decision, ask yourself if what you are about to do will help you meet your lifestyle goal.

If you think about it, success in any activity boils down to having the discipline to make the right choices all day long, every day. If you do, you will be successful, guaranteed. If you don't, you won't.

But having that discipline is not easy in the face of our daily challenges. You need to explore your reasons and motivations for change: barriers and benefits, triggers and habits, what you will give up and what you will get. But the bottom line is that you have to do it for yourself. You must make losing weight and being healthier important and thereby a priority in your life. And it will likely be a wholesale change. Dieting is a misnomer because it implies something short term. You should think in terms of a lifestyle change.

Making the long-term changes necessary may seem daunting, but don’t forget that you have already faced and overcome personal and professional challenges. You have persevered and met goals. You have the ability. You just need to make it habit and make it happen.

John Holt, Cornerstone Psychological Services (CPS). CPS is the district’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers five free counseling sessions per year to eligible employees and/or immediate family members. Call CPS at 540-9400 for information.