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Our Secret to Successful Weight Loss
Our Secret to Successful Weight Loss
We have all heard our fair share of absurd weight loss advice, whether it is to go on a “baby food” diet or only consuming “special low calorie” cookies every day.
As dieting becomes the norm in our society, many are beginning to adopt the thinking that being skinny is related to happiness, beauty, and success.
They go on crazy diets — cutting out an immense amount of carbohydrates and sugar, instead loading on protein (because that “supposedly” helps to lose weight fast) and substituting meals with supplements. However, many people who go on a diet will gain the weight back, plus more. But, why?
Weight loss is simply not as straightforward as merely cutting down on food.
In fact, plenty of other factors play as equally big a role as the type of food consumed. Our emotions, stress levels, mentality, physical and spiritual state — all contribute to the success (or possible failure) of our weight management journey.
“Don’t you dare eat that slice of cake!”
“Go work off that ice-cream you just ate!”
These are often the thoughts that run through our minds the minute we decide to “diet” which could potentially serve as obstacles to our success.
Results may show but they do not last. Ever.
Often, our mental health takes a toll and it won’t be long before we succumb to the foods we have “banned” ourselves to eat.
“We cannot solve our problem with the same thinking we used when we created them”
– Albert Einstein
Building the proper mindset helps in our journey to successful weight loss.
Dr. Lam Wai Khin from HeartVoice panel of doctors shared with us 5 crucial steps in shifting away from a negative “diet” mindset to one that is more positive, healthy, and yet effective.
1. Tell yourself that the journey to a successful weight-loss is very complex and “it is not all your fault”.
It is common to face rebounds in weight however, you are NOT to blame.
Plenty of factors come into play before your food reaches your table that can affect your decision on what to consume. These are all of which are out of our control yet able to dictate our daily lifestyle habits, (and possibly) derail us from successfully losing weight.
Some of the most impactful are:
- food and media marketing
- accessibility to restaurants and fast-food chains
- workplace food environment and working culture
- peer pressure
- eating habits dictated by your family (“We cooked so much for you, yet you had so little. Eat more!” is something I’m sure most of us grew up listening to)
2. Cultivate a positive psychology
Do not dwell on the idea of “losing weight” and “fixing yourself”. But rather, shift your attitude around weight loss into “gaining health”. A poor mindset is filled with loathing — focusing only on your flaws — and altogether, feeling bad about yourself and your body.
Dr. Lam emphasizes moving away from such destructive thinking to focusing on the good of weight loss, such as: better and longer health and prevention of diabetes and heart diseases.
3. Define your own unique outcomes
What is it you want to achieve?
To be able to run 3km without stopping?
Or to lose 10kg?
We each have different definitions of what a successful weight loss is. It is important to set your own goals to serve as your own motivational “checkpoints”, rather than let other people define your own success.
Understand that everybody’s body is different and what they achieve may not work for you. Do not feel discouraged and instead, let your goals guide you and continue working towards your ideal weight.
4. Define your own unique purposes
Focus on the why.
Why do you want those results? Take the time to identify the reasons why you want to diet. Is it to stay healthy and fit or was it recommended to you by your doctor to prevent health complications?
Or are you doing it merely because you think you “have to look better” to fit into society’s unrealistic standard of beauty?
Recognizing these reasons will help you move forwards to a softer and more sustainable approach to food and your diet.
5. Take passionate action
Your own personal safety is your responsibility.
Your body is your best friend and you owe it to yourself to stay safe. Only use information from reputable, trusted sources and medication supervised from legitimate clinics.
Do NOT turn to unsafe practices such as online drugs and starvation methods or follow “tips” shared by people with no strong medical background in your greed to achieve your “ideal” weight.
As you begin your journey to successful and healthy weight loss, our secret for you is:
There is no special way to lose weight fast. The truth is that no matter what weight-loss tips you decide to follow, without the proper mindset, your success around weight management is limited.
So, practice positive thinking and love and trust your body.
This is when weight loss will happen easily and naturally.
Lastly, but most importantly, the ultimate 3 ingredient combination to cook up a successful weight-loss is: adopting healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and the right mindset. Most of us tend to focus only on the first 2 and neglect the last.
However, only with a strong and stable mindset, are you ready to take on the challenge that is your diet.
About Dr. Lam Wai Khin:
A family physician with 20 years of experience, with a successful track record in helping patients manage their weight.
Begin your weight management journey together with Dr. Lam today! Sign up for his Weight Management Program in partnership with the HeartVoice wellness app to monitor your level of physical activity, body composition, sleep patterns, and more!
Medical Disclaimer*
Content on HeartVoice Health Blog is provided only for general informational purposes and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. If you have been previously (or believe to be) diagnosed with a medical condition that requires special care, please contact your local healthcare provider for advice on how to lose weight safely. HeartVoice wishes you all the best in your weight loss journey!
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