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Health & Fitness

Seven Keys to Weight Loss (Part 1)

This is the first installment of what will be a series of seven posts.In this series of posts I will highlight what I believe to be the keys to permanent weight loss. Whether that is 10 pounds or 100 pounds. To lose the weight 
and keep it off, you must incorporate these key elements.

There is more to successful and permanent weight loss than taking a magic pill, drinking a potion or putting sprinkes on your food. Permanent weight loss is not the result of a diet. Having said that, because the word "diet" has so many meanings, lets get rid of that word right now. Permanent weight loss is the result of a life style change. If you wanna drop 5 or 10 pounds to fit into some special outfit for some special occasion then by some of the quick loss fads out there may serve you well. Fast weight loss is possible with many of them. I, however, do not believe it will be long lasting, and it probably would not be healthy long term.

Today let's talk about what I believe is KEY FACTOR in getting healthy and losing weight.

MOTIVATION. I stongly believe that without having your mind right you will fail. It's really that simple. If you have a real motive, a reason that matters to you, then you have a much better chance of success. A casual attitude of "I think I need to lose a few pounds" or even "I would like to fit into that dress (or those pants)" probably is not going to get it done. You must have an overwhelming desire... a passion...to lose the weight.

Let me share my story with you. For many many years I knew I needed to lose weight. I didn't like the way I looked, I hated buying 2XL shirts and 46 inch waist pants. I hated not being able to comfortably bend over and tie my shoes. But, I didn't hate it enough to really do anything about it. I would "try" for a short period of time, and I would actually succeed in losing weight. But, each time I eventually decided that it was too hard and not really worth the effort. I actually convinced myself that I was just "big".Even when I started having health issues it didn't really motivate me. First it was high blood pressure...no big deal, there is a pill for that. Then it was a diagnosis of sleep apnea...no big deal...wear a CPAP at night. I slept better and felt better...not very sexy but hey....it was better than not waking up....right? Then I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic...no big deal, I'll cut out some sugar and exercise more....yeah...right!! Next was high cholesterol...there is a pill for that too. But for some reason, I drew a line there. I had heard and read a few things about statin drugs that bothered me and I decided I did not want to take them. To top it all off I developed heart palpitations and was give medicine for that. I was functioning, I felt okay overall...I think...but in all honesty, I had no energy. I wasn't very motivated and was slowly becoming depressed over it all. I was finally picking up on the pattern...the big question...what would be next? Maybe a heart attack? I had already had a couple scares that turned out to be nothing...but the fear was in my mind. Maybe next time it would be real. Or, if not a heart attack maybe a stroke. It could happen. I had all the indicators that my odds of that occurring were high.

Somewhere in there I decided it was enough. I wanted to live a long and full life. I wanted to feel good and enjoy things. I wanted to be able to be active 
without worrying about dropping dead!! Bottom line, I wanted to feel better, look better and perform better. I made up my mind that I would do whatever it took to make that happen. I set my mind right. I developed a passion for losing weight. I found my reason to lose weight...to live and to not just survive. I determined in my head first that I would succeed and that it would be a permanent change. 

That was almost 2 years ago. Today, no more medications and no CPAP. All my blood work is normal...and I mean in the middle of normal...not barely in the normal range. I have energy...as much energy as I had when I was in my 20's (I am 59 1/2). I live without fear of heart attacks or strokes. Could it still happen?...sure...but if it does, I know its not because I am overweight and do nothing but sit around. I am doing my part to stay healthy and that is all I can do. And oh, by the way....I lost 100 pounds and have kept it off and will continue to keep it off.

So, I related my story to illustrate the point that you need to be motivated, You need the right mental state to lose weight, because without that you WILL give in when it gets tough, and it will get tough. You will give in to temptations and urges...and there will be plenty of those. You will quit when you hit a plateau short of your goal...and it will happen. I am convinced that setting your mind first determines your ultimate success in reaching your health goals. You can have all the coaches you want, you can have all the right knowledge and have access to all the right foods. But without the proper frame of mind, without a conviction, without a burning desire, without motivation it is almost impossible to do long term.

My next post will continue with my seven keys. 

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