Preparing for changes in our body

The only proven formula for achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight – eating less and moving more – sounds simple. However, anyone who has tried to lose weight knows that it’s more challenging than it sounds.

Why is that? What stands in our way? Often, it’s learned behavioral patterns.

To lose weight, you must also target key underlying factors, not just what you eat or do.

Emotions, social pressure, conditioned thinking, lack of awareness, physical symptoms, and other factors influence learned behavioral patterns.

Changing these ingrained behaviors is a highly individualized process. Methods, timing, and pace of change vary from person to person.

While considering significant changes in your life, here are some general principles that can guide you:

This isn’t a race. Sometimes a little shock therapy can help you think and act differently. That’s the idea of the Majamayo Center program. The first two weeks are designed to shift you from your usual course and show you that changes can yield results.

But long-term lifestyle change usually doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time and commitment to shed unhealthy behavioral patterns and develop new, healthy ones that can lead to lasting weight loss. Plan for long-term weight loss, but feel free to repeat the Majamayo Center program if you need a boost and a reminder that changes work.

Don’t obsess over the scale. Regularly weighing yourself can aid in weight loss, but don’t let daily weight fluctuations discourage you. They could be just changes in body fluids. You have more control over what you eat and do than the numbers on the scale, so focus on those actions as your goal.

Expect occasional slip-ups. There will be days when you eat more or move less than planned. This is called a slip-up and it’s inevitable to occur from time to time. But it’s important not to use a slip-up as an excuse to give up. Have a plan for such situations. It’s crucial to understand that the weight loss process isn’t always linear and various factors can come into play. The advice for you is not to get discouraged and to appreciate the progress you’ve made, which is key for maintaining motivation.

Reviewing notes about diet and exercise, focusing on long-term trends, and reassessing your weight loss program are effective strategies to overcome stagnation. Additionally, identifying issues and seeking support from family, friends, or a professional advisor can help you move forward again after setbacks.

Approaching setbacks with a positive attitude and not allowing negative thoughts to dominate is crucial. Using exercise as a way to release guilt and frustration, rather than as punishment, is a healthy approach. If weight is regained, it’s important to remember that not all is lost. It’s an opportunity to learn from the experience, reassess goals, and recommit to healthy habits.