All too often we hear “I just want to lose 10 lbs, then I’ll be happy.”
What makes us believe that we’ll be “happy” if we see a certain number on a scale? Why does it matter if we get to that number and why does it suddenly erase everything else?
Losing weight is not the only ingredient in the recipe for happiness. It is scary to think that we have everything so tied to a number on a scale.
Here also inlies the reason so many of us battle with weight and yo-yo dieting. We place too much importance on this magical number. We seem to believe it’s going to erase all our other problems and suddenly make our life amazing.
Do yourself a favour and give yourself a reality check. Losing weight will not solve all your problems. It will not suddenly make you beautiful and it won’t make you rich!
Take a look at why you really want to lose weight and do you really want to keep it off!?
There is no magic pill, surgery or potion. Anyone can promise you that you can lose weight. I just saw an ad that said that I could lose 10 lbs in 1 week. Wow, that’s incredible! What happens when that week is over? You got it, I get to gain that 10lbs and more back. Oh, and I get to feel like a failure because I couldn’t keep it off. That’s no way to go through life.
Finding happiness is about changing your life. Change your focus. Take a look at what you are truly unhappy about. What do you need to do to change it? Are you willing to work at making those changes? Whether it’s losing weight or finding a different job or working on your marriage. You have to decide what you want and what you’re prepared to do about it.
It is so easy to get caught in the rut of getting up, going to work, coming home, having dinner, watching tv and going to bed. The monotony of the routine of life can be enough to make us unhappy! Making changes doesn’t have to mean doing things you hate (like going to the gym) and eating lettuce leaves for the rest of your life! It means finding a balance that allows you to “live” life and stay healthy.
Finding happiness is about creating moments in your life that make you smile, make you laugh and give you a lasting memory. Getting skilled in creating these memories is what can ultimately change your life! Here are some ideas of things you can do with family and friends to be active and create your moments:
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take a hike – there are tons of trails, parks and conservation areas in the GTA. A great outing for the family or grab a coffee and walk it with a friend
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try rock climbing – there are great indoor places that give lessons for adults and children
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go bowling or roller skating – when was the last time you went bowling!?
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go for a game of laser tag!
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create a treasure hunt – an awesome way for families to work as a team and have fun!
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go to the park – instead of planting yourself in front of the tv, head to the park – run around with the kids – it tires them out and you get your exercise too!
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Play a game of twister! Young and old can have a lot of fun with this one.
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Take a walk around the mall!
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Pull out the Wii Fit or other active games.
Changing your habits takes time and it takes planning. Changing things that you do every day to be more active, will help you with your weight loss goals and it will also serve to keep you happy.
Finding a fitness and nutrition regime that you can incorporate into your life for the long term is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. Make changes to how you socialize with friends and what you do with your “spare” time.
Create your moments of happiness by living your life to the fullest not running on automatic!
