You want to lose weight, trim down, cast away those last 5-10lbs, or 50-100lbs.  

Many people, from teens to the elderly, have this thought roiling around in their minds constantly.

It is rational...most Americans can benefit from losing a few or more pounds. 

 

But what is missing from the equation? The desire to be healthy. Being at an appropriate weight is important, it can reflect the health of an individual. However being at an appropriate weight alone does not mean that you are healthy. Being healthy saves us money, time and frustration (less lab tests, doctor appointments, prescriptions and surgeries). There is more to look at than the number on our bathroom scales AND getting healthy can be easy if you allow it to be. When you couple losing weight with losing it in a 'healthy' way, you will bring upon a higher aspect of health for yourself!

 

Health experts constantly talk about quality versus quantity - when speaking of food, calories, exercise etc. The American public, however, has become focused on only quantity and not quality when it comes to 'fixing' their health issues. Your health tests show a number that establishes whether you fall in a 'low', 'normal' or 'high' range. Weight, blood pressure, blood counts, cholesterol, blood sugars, fat mass vs lean body mass, and so much more. Focusing only on whether the number on the test results is 'normal' will not show you the full picture of your health. Health encompasses the whole body, the whole being.

 

When attempting to lose weight, consider the whole package, quality and quantity. Go about your weight loss program in a way that brings quality food and activities into your daily routine, and this will bring your level of health up. Make your weight loss program into a lifestyle change, and your health will continually benefit, long after you've reached your target weight.

  

What does this mean simplistically?

Losing weight - is an equation - burn more calories than you take in and you will lose weight.

Losing weight in a healthy way - burn more calories through quality exercise, take in less calories by eating your appropriate number of calories from the right foods for you at the right time of day

 

It comes down to modifying a weight-loss program designed for your specific needs and your specific lifestyle. Making it all about quality, the appropriate quantities and dedication will not only get you to the right number on the scale, but it will give you a healthy heart, a healthy gut, a serene disposition, improved energy, less aches and pains, less allergies, an improved immune system and more.

 

Some individuals who know a great deal about diet and exercise can manage this on their own. It just takes discipline. Others who may not have the knowledge will find it best to find a mentor, coach or physician that can guide them through the science and lifestyle choices plus provide the support than many benefit from when going through the life changing event of getting healthy.

Steps:

#1 - Have a talk with yourself to start - Look inside and let yourself answer honestly what is your goal?, what are your weaknesses - where would you benefit from being helped?, what is your timeline?, are you ready to be dedicated to yourself?

 

#2 - Establish your meal plan. From your answers to #1, you will will either create this on your own or consult a professional. Consider a low-glycemic index diet, consider eating foods with quality ingredients, consider eating 5-6 times a day, consider medical food quality snacks and meals for when you need convenience foods

 

#3 - Establish your exercise routine - Being healthy means having muscle mass. This is far from competing in the Body Builder competitions, but it does mean you your muscle mass outweighs your fat mass in the body

 

#4 - Establish your goals, timelines, and rewards - Be realistic, get quality advice, be kind to yourself without making excuses, be disciplined, be honest, and creating a healthy lifestyle will become EASY, FUN, and ALWAYS REWARDING.

By: Sherry Fragosa

Co-Owner of Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine