Weight Loss

5 weight-loss excuses and how to overcome them

5 weight-loss excuses and how to overcome them

Illustration by Caitlin Doherty Image by: Illustration by Caitlin Doherty Author: Canadian Living

Weight Loss

5 weight-loss excuses and how to overcome them

Excuse #1: I don’t have time.

Eva Redpath says:
You won’t have the time unless you create the time. Just like you schedule going to the dentist or getting your hair done, you need to schedule exercise. On Sunday, pull out the day planner, look at your schedule and set a goal for the week. Put it in your smartphone calendar or write it down. If it’s going to be part of your life, you have to make room for it.
 
Excuse #2: I don’t know how to reach my fitness goals.

Eva Redpath says: It’s all about accountability. Find a partner who shares the same goals and keep each other on track. Declare your fitness ambitions on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Most importantly, become a joiner. When you’re part of a community, you’re more likely to achieve your goals.
 
Excuse #3: I keep trying and failing.

Eva Redpath says: Sometimes we fail because we set expectations that are way too high. Set an achievable goal, increase that goal after a couple of weeks and track your progress with a fitness band, a pedometer or a chart, not just via the numbers on the scale.

Excuse #4: I don’t have enough energy to work out.

Eva Redpath says: Energy creates energy. I don’t always have the energy to wake up early for a workout, but I just get up and get moving anyway. For a few days, it will be challenging, but soon that energy generates more energy. Fake it till you make it.
 
Excuse #5: I can’t keep my diet on track.

Eva Redpath says: Seventy percent of weight loss is what you put in your mouth, 30 percent is exercise. You can erase all your good work by eating poorly. If you’re not eating good food, you’ll have no energy. If you’re eating nutrient-dense food, you’re fuelling your workout. Shop the perimeters of the grocery store. If it’s in an aisle, on a shelf or wrapped in paper or plastic, avoid it. If it grew on a tree or came from the ground, that’s real food.

Do you not like working out, then try these fun exercises.

This story was originally titled "Resolution Roadblocks" in the February 2014 issue.

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Weight Loss

5 weight-loss excuses and how to overcome them

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