One misconception that I have heard far too many times is that if you have a significant amount of weight to lose, you may as well give up now. After all, the statistics just aren't in your favor. I would like to just come out and say that this is not true. Sure, you may not just drop 20 lbs in one month, but making any positive change will ultimately lead you to your goals.
Now, I will say that losing weight, even if it is only 5 or 10 lbs is hard work. It will require effort, and you can count on it bringing you out of your comfort zone. From the foods you eat to the way you move your body, there will be things that make you uncomfortable. As far as I am aware, no one has become overweight due to an overwhelming love of broccoli or the unquenchable desire to run or do push ups.
Lest you be tempted to fall upon your swords right this very second, I feel it my duty to point out an interesting fact. Ahem. Are you ready? Good. I would like to let you know that you will be surprised at the number of people you know who have been able to lose weight and keep it off. Whether they lost 15 lbs or 100 lbs, they had to do the exact same things to get there. They had to get out of that comfort zone and try something new.
Just in case you don't believe me, let me tell you about Janene. She has successfully lost 60 lbs, and has become a health coach to help other people do the same. You can read about the program that she used and now works with here. Here is the crazy part: Janene is my cousin-in-law and I was completely unaware of her transformation until I started my on my own. I'm telling you, once you start being aware of weight loss, you'll be amazed at the number of people you know who have been where you are now.
I bring this up because it is so important to have a support network. You may be the one who has to do the sweating, but having people to cheer you on will make your journey 100% easier. I am not a naturally athletic person, so the support from my amazing friends and family has been a major factor in my success. I recently posted about being able to finally fit in my favorite jeans for the first time in 3 years, and I got 40 "likes." Not only will your support network cheer you on, they will keep you accountable.
If you are just starting your journey, I would imagine that you are probably a little bit overwhelmed. You may be dealing with questions like, "which exercise program should I do?", "how can I actually eat that many vegetables?" and, "you want me to do what?" These early days are pivotal. The first 10 minutes of any workout are the most difficult, and similarly, the first days of transformation are harder than it will be when nervous diligence has turned in to habit.
This is the part where I make a shameless plug for the fabulous Janene. She and I have talked a lot about this whole weight loss thing, and I love what she has to say. I don't really feel like I am qualified to tout the benefits of her program, but from what I do know, it sounds wonderful. If you're just starting out, shoot her a message. Be warned, though. Once you talk to her and see how hilarious and passionate she is, you'll really want to work with her.
Seriously, though, you need people to go with you on this journey. Friends, family, coaches, etc. It's all good. Don't be afraid to share what you're doing with other people. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the outpouring of support they send your way.
