Straight Talk About Weight Loss

The prevalence of obesity is skyrocketing all over the world, but especially in developed countries such as the U.S. and Canada. Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that 31% of adults in the U.S. are obese and 35% are overweight. That's quite a significant number of people that are struggling with unhealthy weight.

Unfortunately, this is not simply a cosmetic problem; it's not just about how we look. It is about how well we are. It's about how much energy we have for the people we love and how much vitality we have for the commitments we make. It's about how successful or unsuccessful we will be at reaching our goals and living a life of Purpose and Meaning. It's that serious.

What's keeping you from reaching your weight loss goals?

When you consider the amount of advice and information available about weight loss, we should be the thinnest people in history. Yet, we continue to struggle despite all that knowledge. Test yourself:
Name something that you know you should do to achieve and maintain an ideal weight - something you are not doing.

Now, name something that you know you should not do - yet you are.

Did you have trouble naming something in each category? Most people I speak with name at least three things in each category that they could change to meet their weight loss goals. They have the knowledge but they are lacking the application. They lack a sense of Purpose strong enough to motivate change.

The "why" of weight loss
Purpose can be described in another way: Destiny. A sense of Destiny will dictate a need for health. For you, health may include appropriate weight loss. Commit yourself to living your Destiny, your Mission, your many Purposes in life and this will motivate change.

Take all the time you need to figure out exactly what you want and why you want it. Write it down. Also, be sure to recruit allies; they will be your cheering section when you are winning and your support team when you are struggling.

You know, I once heard a quote that went something like, "Never confuse planning with performing." Destiny is about planning AND performing. It's about deciding what you want and why you want it. Now, you need to be very clear about your "why." One of my favorite quotes about this is, "He who has a 'why' to live can bear almost any 'how.'"

The "how" of weight loss
Do you need a better diet? More exercise? Better sleep? Less stress? All of these changes require effort and energy. Your sense of Destiny will inspire you to act. It will give you the energy to act. Of course, sometimes idealism clashes with realism. So, decide what's realistic, not what you should do but what you will do, and then do it.

Now, it must be recognized that in some cases, obesity is associated with underlying illness or as a side effect of a medication. This requires medical treatment and I encourage you to work closely with your health care team to find a solution to these problems.

However, most people can achieve and maintain a healthful body weight by reducing stress, improving sleep, eating a more healthful diet, and exercising regularly to burn off the calories they consume. TriVita can help guide you through this process with Leanology™, a comprehensive weight loss program. A lifestyle approach to weight loss, Leanology includes nutrients, education, and guidance to help you reach and maintain a healthier life.

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Always remember, we are created to live a life of purpose. Let your purpose fuel your actions step by step; let your actions harmonize with your sense of destiny. You won't need to struggle with eating nutritiously or engaging in activity; your destiny will demand that you make the healthiest dietary choices. It will demand that you exercise appropriately to stay fit.

Great purposes require great health. Let your sense of destiny be the driving force behind your weight loss journey. Get started today!