Here are several definitions of the word “Change”:
- make (someone or something) different; alter or modify.
- become different; be altered or modified
- turn or convert (something) from one state, form, or substance into another.
- replace (something) with something else, especially something of the same kind that is newer or better; substitute one thing for (another).
There is no doubt that LOTS of “change” is required when an overweight/obese person decides to lose weight and keep that weight off. Some of these “changes” include:
- Changing the types of meals/snacks being consumed
- Changing how we approach stressful situations to avoid stress induced eating
- Changing our exercise patterns
- Changing our behaviors when socializing with other people
There are many more bullet points that can be added to this “change” list.
Why is change so difficult? The first point: “Change” is lots easier when the change goes from a difficult situation to a much easier situation. As an example, if a person previously had a 90 minutes commute to work with traffic, buys a new house much closer to the office and now the new commute is 20 minutes, this “change” is very welcome. However, if the reverse situation takes place, i.e. now there is a very long commute to work, then the “change” is much less desirable.
Focusing on weight control: Why are “changing” our dietary patterns and exercise so difficult? Well, there are lots of similarities to the example provided above: It is MUCH easier to not count protein portions, MUCH easier to eat/drink what provides us with immediate gratification, and MUCH more comfortable to remain in our warm beds as opposed to getting up earlier and working out. The “changes” required to lose the weight and keep that weight off are NOT “easy”.
Let’s look at this the other way: It would be GREAT to “change” from:
- Feeling low energy
- Looking older
- Not fitting into your nice clothes
- Having to take a number of medications
- Having knee/back pains
- Snoring lots at night
Successful weight control results in MANY positive changes. However, to get there, changes are needed. Embrace those changes because the resultant changes are well worth these efforts.
And for those David Bowie fans out there, enjoy one of his major hits, “Changes”.