Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Going to California


Face the facts and develop a strategy


Losing weight is a lot like going to California. Let me explain.

I hear you saying that you want to "lose some weight." Before you go to bed at night, you probably get on the scale and say to yourself: “Tomorrow, I need to start losing some weight.” You say the same thing in the morning. Maybe your doctor has even told you that you need to lose some weight. Maybe you have tried to lose some weight, but failed.

Notice how that phrase “lose some weight” keeps appearing? What on earth does that mean? Saying you want to lose some weight is like saying you want to walk around a little and hope to end up in California. Why? Because you have no concrete facts, no direction -- and no strategy for getting there.



How can I get to California?


Imagine that, one day, I tell you I want to go to California. A month later, you see me, and I’m still here. You ask me why I didn’t go to California, and I say: "I'm trying, but just can’t seem to make it. I go to bed every night, and wake up every morning, telling myself that I want to go to California. I’ve even started out a few times and have walked around the yard a bit. But, somehow, I never get to California."

This would exasperate you, I'm sure. You can see that I am missing some facts, here, and that I would be better off with a strategy. Otherwise, I'm never going to get to California. You decide to help me.

“Here’s what you need to know,” you tell me: 

  1. Where are you now?
  2. What direction is California from here?
  3. How many miles away is California?
  4. What are some ways to get to California: walk, bike, car, train, bus, airplane?
  5. What steps do you need to take to get to California?
Once you know the facts, you can develop a strategy for actually getting to California. You can look at maps and plan the trip. You know how far it is. You can set off in the right direction, with the right method of transportation. Now you might actually GET to California, not just want to go, not just make a half-hearted attempt.

It's the same with losing weight


First, you need to know the facts:
  1. Where are you now?
  2. Exactly how much weight do you need/want to lose?
  3. How long will it take to reach that goal?
  4. What strategies are available to help you reach your weight goal?
  5. What steps will you take to reach your weight goal?
I've heard people say they think it's okay to get off the track every so often because they can just begin again. That's true, but risky. Just like taking a trip to California. You can make side trips any time you want to. You can even head south, instead of west. That’s all okay, and may be lots of fun.

Just don’t be surprised, though, if you never make it to California!




3 comments:

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  2. Here is how I am pairing up weight loss with getting to San Francisco (my choice destination ).
    Take stock- Know where you are and where you wish to go. Chose your destination
    Record everything – Be aware of what you are putting in your suitcase every day
    Ignite your engine – Start your journey
    Meals that are delicious – Pack your suitcase with great tasty meals and snacks
    Unload offenders – Get rid of anything (you know what they are) that will delay/slow you down
    Portion control – Do not over pack your bag (you know how much you can/should carry with you). It will weigh you down and delay you. You may even turn around and come back and never reach your destination.
    A map outlining the locations between NYC-SFO is helpful with each city or state representing progress in lost pounds.
    Substitutions in the contents of the suitcase are allowed as long as their nutritional facts are similar.
    Planned or unforeseen delays may occur (parties, eating out, illness etc.) and are ok as long as they are few and of short duration.

    BON VOYAGE!!!!!
    Sheyda

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    Replies
    1. Such a great way to use the Trim-Up strategy!! Nice information, too, from someone who used to work in the airline industry.

      You would make a very good traveling companion, to be sure.Someone who knows where she's going -- and is willing to take the steps to get there. Send us some postcards on your travels. We want to know how you're doing. bises

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