Before you begin your weight loss journey, here are some questions you should ask yourself.
Being strong, healthy and aware of your body is the need of the decade. We have to start taking our health problems seriously- one of them, of course, is obesity. But- there’s a difference in being fit and being ‘thin’, and contrary to popular belief- not everyone who is thin, is necessarily the healthiest. In fact, young girls and boys, who are perfectly healthy for their age, height and weight- due to societal pressure, or misconceptions about self, and of course in an attempt to ‘look better’,lose weight to appear ‘thinner’- and fall victim to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and several other harmful maladies. That is not right, at all! So, before you start your weight loss journey- or already have, as a matter of fact- here are a few questions you need to ask yourself:
( This is a self evaluation, which will not only help you figure out whether your weight loss methods and means are effective, but also if your reasons for it are legit. It’ll be better if you write down your answers in a journal or a piece of paper- just as a reminder or a source of motivation for when you feel like giving up.)
Why am I doing this?
This is the most important question- and I want you to consider this, and answer it with honesty. If your reasons are genuine- like being overweight which has started to affect your body adversely, or if you want to maintain your level of fitness, etc- that’s perfectly alright. But, if your reasons are something like-
so and so is prettier than you- and you’d like to be like that, or because some idiot called you ‘fat’ and ugly, or a boyfriend/girlfriend told you…in that case, you my friend, need to stop- right now. I’m not even kidding. There is no need for you to go out of your way, to put your perfectly proportional body through hell- just because someone else has a problem with you. Everyone is different, everyone’s bodies are different…and each and every one of us is beautiful. Embrace yourself, because the world only sees what you choose to show it!
What is my goal weight? And, is it ideal?
Setting a realistic goal for your weight loss is important-because part of your strength, your motivation comes from wanting to achieve that one number- and it is fantastic. But, then again, taking into consideration your height, weight, medical issues, work schedule and general lifestyle- is your goal weight ideal? Also, is it realistically achievable in the time frame you’ve given yourself? If your answer is no, speak to a nutritionist to guide you through your doubts- don’t be in a hurry to implement changes, before you comprehend their short and long term effects.
What is my exercise schedule?
It’s no secret that without exercise, no weight loss is successful. So, the main thing you want to do, while pondering upon the question, is formulate an exercise sheet- stating your means and methods for working out(Gymming, running, swimming, etc), and count its frequency. You then want to ask yourself, if the exercise you plan to do- or are doing- is too less or too more, and if it is either, you must revamp your sheet finding just the right balance.
What kinds of food are you planning to eat, avoid and ban altogether? Are you being wise in your choice of substitutes? Is your choice of diet, a mere fad?
It is extremely important to know what and how much you’re eating. At this point, you need to ask yourself if the food you plan to cook, is enough to satisfy all your nutritional needs as well as help you lose weight. You need to note the frequency of your meals, and also of the litres of water you consume. If your choice of diet, is but a mere fad, you need to ask yourself if it is safe to practice. Tabulate all of it, and only then go ahead with your decisions.
What am I doing for my mind?
Yup, you read it right. Chances are,if you are in a better place mentally and emotionally, it will automatically reflect on your body’s ability to shed some pounds. Besides, good health, by its very nature,means being both physically and mentally fit. With a positive attitude, you can conquer almost anything! Even your battle with weight. So, ask yourself what you plan to do for your mind. Ten minutes of meditation and yoga, does wonders!
