The Journey of Sustainable Weight Loss: Going Beyond Quick Fixes

When it comes to weight loss, we often use the term casually, without really considering its true meaning. Sure, you can technically “lose weight” by drastic measures like chopping off a leg, but that’s not what we’re really after, is it?

To achieve successful weight loss, we need to be precise about where we want to go. It’s about setting clear goals and defining our desired destination. Without this clarity, how can we know which actions to take or which ones to avoid? And how will we recognize when we’ve reached our intended outcome?

To achieve successful weight loss, we need to be precise about where we want to go

The importance of precision in our weight loss journey

Let’s take a closer look at different scenarios to understand the importance of precision in our weight loss journey. Imagine you want to lose 20 pounds in just 30 days. Sounds great, right? But here’s the catch: only a fraction of that weight loss will come from actual fat. Most of it will be muscle loss, water weight, and glycogen stored in your muscles. Plus, you’ll feel weaker and experience a slower metabolism, making it harder to maintain weight loss. Is that really what you had in mind?

Now, consider a different approach. Suppose you aim to lose 20 pounds over the course of six months. This time, you manage to achieve a better balance. Around 50% of the weight loss comes from fat, while the other half is a mix of muscle loss, water weight, and glycogen. So, yes, you’ve lost weight, but when you look in the mirror, your body composition hasn’t changed much. You may be smaller, but you still have the same percentage of body fat relative to your weight. It’s not the transformation you were hoping for, right?

But here’s the exciting part: you can actually transform your body and the way you look. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about achieving a lower percentage of body fat relative to your weight and becoming a healthier, stronger version of yourself. This process is called body recomp., and it can be achieved in various ways.

You can focus on losing body fat while preserving as much muscle mass as possible. You can also increase your muscle mass, even if you don’t lose much fat. This change in muscle-to-body-fat ratio will make a noticeable difference in your appearance. Or, you can even work on both fronts by building muscle and losing fat over time.

It is essential to choose the approach that aligns with your goals and preferences

All of these approaches have their merits, but it’s essential to choose the one that aligns with your goals and preferences. Weight, as a standalone metric, doesn’t provide sufficient context. We tend to get fixated on that number on the scale, but it’s the bigger picture that truly matters—the journey itself.

Here’s the thing: the biggest struggles people face with weight loss can’t be magically fixed by shedding more pounds. Issues like binge eating, emotional eating, stress eating, and self-sabotage are deeply ingrained and need to be addressed. Merely focusing on calories and exercise won’t solve these underlying challenges.

If you want to achieve long-term success, you need to go beyond quick fixes and superficial results. It’s time to shift your perspective. Instead of viewing weight loss as a destination or a temporary goal, embrace it as a lifestyle change—an ongoing journey. It’s an opportunity to grow and evolve, to become a new version of yourself.

But here’s the catch: you can’t maintain weight loss if you don’t address the root causes. Imagine building a house with a faulty foundation—it will collapse eventually. Similarly, trying to lose weight without addressing your emotional relationship with food or your self-sabotaging tendencies is setting yourself up for failure.

To embark on this transformative journey, you must also consider how you perceive yourself. Your self-image greatly impacts your motivation, behaviours, and overall success in weight loss. It’s time to let go of past struggles and limitations and instead focus on your strengths, potential, and future possibilities. You are not someone who has always struggled with weight; you are someone who is determined to achieve your health goals.

Embracing the process is crucial for sustainable success. It’s not just about the end result; it’s about finding joy in the daily actions. Find physical activities that you genuinely enjoy and can maintain consistently. It’s not always about the most effective exercise; it’s about the one you’ll stick to. Choose a lifestyle that aligns with your values, supports your desired identity, and is sustainable for the long haul.

Remember, this is a lifelong commitment. Start from where you are and gradually add to it over time. Weight loss is merely a side effect of a healthier lifestyle. Focus on the other positive changes happening along the way, such as improved strength, enhanced well-being, and increased confidence.

Don’t judge your progress solely by the outcomes you see on the scale or in the mirror. Instead, judge yourself by the actions you take each day. Did you follow your plan? Did you prioritize physical activity, nutrition, and emotional well-being? It’s these consistent actions that pave the way for the desired outcomes over time.

And most importantly, trust the process. Trust yourself and the plan you’ve set in motion. Trust that the results will come naturally. Allow the transformation to unfold at its own pace, and embrace the new you that is emerging.

Remember, sustainable weight loss is not a simple matter of shedding pounds—it’s a profound journey of self-discovery and growth. By being precise in our goals, addressing underlying issues, shifting our identity, and enjoying the process, we can embark on a sustainable path towards a healthier, happier life. So, trust in yourself and the power of small daily actions. Embrace the journey, and let the results naturally manifest.

Additional Resources

Feeling in control of your health

If you are interested in improving your health and wellness, check out other resources such as Our Blog, Free Resources and/or join our private Body-Mind Transformation Secrets Community on Facebook, and The 360 Transformation Blueprint Podcast on Spotify and go on an even deeper dive with me to uncover how to succeed in your health and wellness goals.

You may also be interested in our Sleep Secrets Cheat Sheet. It is a great resource with strategies to fix and optimize your sleep which is crucial to succeeding in your health and wellness goals.