Weight Loss: Why Most People Fail but How You Can Be Successful…!

By Poonam Baheti

Imagine the joy of rediscovering the shape and looks that make you feel confident and radiant. Embarking on a transformative weight loss journey is a profound act of self-care and an investment in your overall well-being. It’s a path towards unlocking your fullest potential and embracing a life of boundless vitality. Recognizing the importance of shedding those extra pounds isn’t merely about aesthetics, but about safeguarding our long-term well-being and leading a fulfilling and vibrant life we deserve.

The Health Implications of Excess Weight:

Most of us are aware that excessive weight isn’t just a matter of appearance; it’s a precursor to a multitude of serious health conditions, including Cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, Gastrointestinal disorders, Liver issues like Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among others. Achieving optimal weight is about more than just numbers on a scale; it’s about reclaiming your confidence, vitality, and the radiance that comes with it.

Why do most people fail?

A few people are not even aware that their weight is excessive and they need to reduce weight or if they are aware, they don’t think it is a problem. Most folks however, are aware and understand why carrying excessive weight is not good for health and they want to reduce weight but are unable to do so for a variety of reasons:

• Not taking the first step: The most common reason why people fail in achieving their weight loss goals is that while they recognize that excess weight is an issue and they are aware of the associated health hazards, they do not take the first step. They do not have the courage to confront the situation and take steps to address it by going out of their comfort zone. They leave it for some other time or for someone else to push them or some event to trigger before they act. They continue to wait for the right time.

• Unrealistic Goals: Setting overly ambitious or unrealistic goals can set individuals up for failure. Rapid, drastic changes may not be sustainable in the long run. After some time, the individuals get disappointed with the lower progress than expected and give up.

• Lack of knowledge: Many people are not aware of the calorie requirements based on their BMI and activity levels and the corresponding calories in the food they eat. Certain times, I have seen clients who were previously eating foods they thought will help them lose weight, unaware that they were eating calorie dense foods. One of my clients for instance was wondering in her first consultation with me why she was not losing weight when her diet consisted of an Avocado in her morning break fast along with Milk and Muesli (don’t get me wrong, Avocados are a great source of rich nutrients and I do recommend them to some of my clients to achieve specific health goals, I am only highlighting that they are calorie dense). One of my clients said her lunch only consisted of 2 Idlis but when probing further, she was eating those 2 idlis with a large quantity of Coconut chutney. One of my clients said she was just eating 1 paratha with bhujia in snacks (and I was like do you know that 100 grams of bhujia alone is some 500 calories?). In his first consultation with me, the diet one of my clients told me he was having sounded ok but on probing further, I found he was not even counting several chocolates and a few cans of cola per day he was consuming. A lot of times we eat foods affixed with “diet” thinking they have lesser calories, but in reality if you look at the nutrition label, several times you will realize that it’s not the case.

• Lack of discipline and planning: Even if we set realistic goals, it is important to plan, monitor periodically and having the discipline to execute it. A seasoned nutritionist can be your silent ally not only providing expert guidance and a personalized plan but also providing the push and motivation that can help bring the discipline that a weight loss journey requires.

• Underlying Issues: Emotional, psychological, or physiological factors can contribute to over-eating or an unhealthy relationship with food. Ignoring these underlying issues may hinder progress. Certain conditions for instance hypothyroidism or PCOS may reduce the efficacy of the weight loss programs until these underlying issues are taken into consideration.

How NOT to Approach Your Weight Loss Journey

Approaching a weight loss journey with unrealistic or unsustainable methods can often lead to disappointment, frustration, and potentially harm your overall well-being. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when embarking on a weight loss journey:

• Extreme Caloric Restriction: In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for rapid results often extends to weight loss. Rapid weight loss, though tempting, can result in serious nutrition deficiency and have detrimental effects on various aspects of health, including hair loss, sagging skin, metabolic slow down etc.

• Over-reliance on Fad Diets: Fad diets often promise rapid results through drastic and restrictive eating plans. However, they are typically unsustainable in the long term and may lack essential nutrients.

• Skipping Meals or Food Groups: Eliminating entire food groups or skipping meals can lead to nutritional imbalances, low energy levels, and may hinder your body’s ability to function optimally.

• Overemphasis on Exercise Alone: Relying solely on exercise without addressing dietary habits may not lead to the desired weight loss. A balanced approach that combines both nutrition and physical activity is key.

• Relying on Supplements or Detoxes: Depending solely on supplements or detox products for weight loss can be ineffective and may even be harmful. A balanced, whole-foods-based approach is generally more effective and safer.

• Engaging in Extreme Exercise Regimens: Pushing your body beyond its limits with extremely excessive or intense workouts without proper rest and recovery can lead to burnout and potential injuries.

• Neglecting Adequate Hydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can be mistaken for hunger and potentially lead to overeating apart from other health impacts.

How to Embark on a Successful and Sustainable Weight Loss Journey

Achieving sustainable weight loss is an endeavor, often filled with challenges. The journey towards a healthier weight demands patience, diligence, and a balanced approach. In addition to avoiding the common mistakes listed above, keeping in mind a few pointers will ensure a smooth journey towards your weight loss goals:

• Vision that Ignites Your Spirit: Have a clear vision of a healthier, more vibrant you. Imagine the joy of rediscovering the shape and looks that make you feel confident and radiant. The vision should not be just about the weight, but about the glow that comes from embracing a vibrant, nourishing lifestyle. Define clear, achievable goals that resonate with your vision. This will help you achieve the self-control you will need to make the right choices during your journey.

• Nurturing the Mind, Nourishing the Body: Begin by nurturing a positive and realistic mindset. Understand that every step, no matter how small, is a victory. You can have an ambitious (but realistic) goal, but ensure you break it down in multiple smaller milestones.

• Harmony Through Nourishment: Embrace whole, nutrient-dense (vs calorie dense) foods that fuel your body, infusing it with the vitality it craves. A nutritionist can be a beacon of wisdom, helping you navigate the landscape of balanced nutrition, ensuring every meal becomes an act of self-love and empowerment. It’s crucial to have a balanced, holistic diet that nurtures your body rather than deprives it.

• Mindful Eating, Mindful Living: Practice the art of mindful eating. Let each bite be a celebration of the nourishment it provides. Portion control and attentive eating habits, are the cornerstones of a sustainable, vibrant lifestyle.

• Moving with Joy and Purpose: Discover movement that enlivens your spirit. It could be dancing, yoga, or any form of exercise that brings you pure joy. A nutritionist can help tailor your nutrition plan to complement your chosen activities, ensuring your body is replenished and revitalized.

• Hydration: The Elixir of Vitality: Water is life, and it plays a vital role in your journey. Stay refreshed and invigorated, letting hydration flow through your days. Choose the clarity of water over sugary temptations. Optimal hydration can ensure your body operates at its peak.

• Rest, Rejuvenate, and Radiate: Prioritize rest and relaxation as essential components of your journey. Quality sleep and stress management, harmoniously integrated with good nutrition, become the foundation of your radiant transformation.

• Honoring Your Body’s Wisdom: Listen intently to your body’s whispers and roars. Distinguish between its need for sustenance and its yearning for emotional solace. Your body’s language becomes clearer with every step, supported by the expertise of a seasoned nutritionist.

• Community and Connection – Your Silent Cheerleaders: Share your journey with a community that believes in your potential. Trusted friends and family can become the wind beneath your wings. A nutritionist can also help keep you honest while also guiding, motivating and uplifting, ensuring your path is paved with wisdom and grace.

Don’t make the mistakes most people make. Don’t keep waiting for the right time. Now is the time. Embrace this journey with reverence, for it is a testament to your unwavering commitment to your own well-being. With the right approach, you’ll find yourself not only shedding the extra pounds but also blossoming into a version of yourself that radiates vitality, confidence, and inner beauty. Celebrate each step forward, for every stride is a demonstration of your strength and determination. Remember, you possess the power to sculpt your own masterpiece of health and beauty. This journey is yours, and it is nothing short of extraordinary.

Poonam Baheti is a wellness enthusiast based in the bustling city of Bangalore, India. With a passion for holistic well-being, Poonam wears two hats with grace – a dedicated yoga instructor and a seasoned nutritionist. Her journey in the world of wellness began as a personal quest for balance and vitality, which eventually evolved into a profound commitment to guide others on their own paths towards health and harmony. Through her mindful approach to yoga and expert knowledge in nutrition, Poonam empowers individuals to cultivate a harmonious connection between mind, body and soul.