I’m very open about my intentions and goals in losing weight. I want to be because it means that others will hold me accountable, and it helps me do the right thing. I also have never had real guidance on this journey, so it helps me to write these things out, to better understand my progress.
Unfortunately, being open about it also leaves me open for…unsolicited product advice.
To be more frank, it means that people will try really hard to shill their shakes, supplements, body creams. Even if I say no politely, or I talk about how I was just diagnosed with Diabetes and my doctor is asking me NOT TO TAKE SUPPLEMENTS to make sure that my medication, diet and exercise are working, I get a “but it’s okay, just try it once and you can totally return it if you hate it.”
No. NO NO NO NO NO.
Don’t do it. Don’t take pills or supplements or any other bullshit. Don’t spend your money on “quick” fixes. Why? Because they don’t work.
Weight loss is not an easy task. It’s never quick, and it always involves hard work on your part, but it doesn’t have to be miserable, and it doesn’t have to cost you a ton of money.
Start with your kitchen – A good body is MADE in the kitchen, Leafy greens, lean protein, non-starchy veggies, nuts and seeds are your friends. Wine is your friend too…in moderation. EAT REAL FOOD. Supplements will not satisfy you. Shakes will not satisfy you. Fasting will not satisfy you. I HAVE TRIED IT ALL, and I can tell you that it never stuck because it wasn’t the right thing for my body. I think in the end, it actually hurt more than it helped.
MEASURE EVERYTHING – Get a scale, learn to read food labels, grab some measuring tape and start counting. MyFitnessPal is my favorite app for logging everything. I can even go back three or four years and see my ups and downs. When you measure, you keep yourself in check. You won’t want to look at yourself when you went over your calories by 600, so you won’t do it when you’re aware of your limits. Measuring helps you think twice about your progress, and will help you put down that extra brownie.
Remember you’re going to make mistakes, and cheat (those hot Cheetos will call your name), and it’s absolutely fine. It’s life. I love chocolate, and wine. I have learned that it’s okay once or twice a month to take a few bites and a few sips. Don’t deprive yourself because it makes the experience feel miserable.
You don’t have to live in the gym – but it is how you build muscle and make your body stronger. Just remember, you cannot exercise off a bad diet. If you’re going to put in the work, MAKE IT WORTH IT.
Burn more calories than you consume. 3500 calories makes 1 pound. If you cut 250 calories from your diet and burn 250 calories each day from exercise, in one week you will lose one pound. It’s that simple, and you don’t ned to drink a shake, or take a pill to do it.
You’ll likely hit a plateau, but just push through it. What you’re looking for on the other side is sweet, it just might take some time to get there.
So the next time someone asks you to buy their shake, or pill, or whatever, just remember that there are no easy fixes with weight loss. It’s easy (in most cases) to put on weight, but much harder to shed it. None of the extra supplements are going to make it any easier, and they aren’t going to satisfy you. They aren’t sustainable.
And plus, FOOD IS DELICIOUS. Eat it in moderation, and take care of yourself. That’s the best you can do!
2 Responses
Yes yes yes!! Why is it that supplement/scam people think they know more than your doctor? I told one lady, politely, that I wasn’t going to try X because I have thyroid disease and my doctor doesn’t want me on supplements. Her answer, *grimace* “WHO is your doctor?!?” Girl, it’s not my doctor that’s the problem!
I know! I understand it being part of someone’s income, but we can’t pretend that it’s the most healthy option for people and there’s no better way.
I also like listening to my doctor sometimes :).