One way to make weightloss easier

I’ve struggled with my weight since teenage years, so I’m always interested in making weightloss easier. 

Just for the record I’ve: been a Weight Watchers gold member * done Rosemary Conley's low fat diet (I think that was the first one I tried as a teenager) * done 5:2 * done juice cleanses * been veggie  * been vegan * done Atkins * I think I contemplated the cabbage soup diet but couldn't face it! * been sugar free (including no fruit) * and I probably measured, weighed and calorie counted my way through my 30s.

So, as you can see, I have plenty of weightloss ‘experience’ and it’s partly why I took myself off to study my masters in nutrition and also why I put together a 12 week weightloss programme - so others don’t have to try everything that’s out there.

But, first let’s think about what makes it harder...

Who’s behind you?  

You might have heard the phrase “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. 

Hold that thought for a moment... 

Ever found yourself agreeing to have dessert, not because you want to but because everyone else at the table is? 

Have you been resisting the evening munchies until your husband opens a bottle of wine and brings the kettle chips in too and wants you to share it with him?

Are you more likely to go for a chippy tea if the rest of the family suggests it? 

It’s easy to see why the environment surrounding you can make a big difference when it comes to healthy eating. And there’s no doubt that the people around you can have a strong influence on your own behaviour. 

Given that you can’t get rid of your family (!), what you need to succeed with healthy eating are some environmental nudges in the right direction.  

And in terms of easier weightloss, a group programme, or having some support like doing it with someone else, might really help.

Group support for easier weightloss

Group support means you can ask questions whenever you want, get help from others in similar situations, or get a motivational boost if you’re having a bad day. You could get ideas from other people who are in a similar situation as you, other people might be doing things and you think ‘oh yeah, I could do that’. Your goal becomes more achievable when you are doing it together.

By surrounding yourself with people who are doing the same thing, you’re immersed in a group where you’re not the odd one out. And this gives you motivation when you’re in the real world by yourself. 

I’ve found that when my clients know someone else is watching what they’re doing they become accountable for their actions. 

Quite simply, they just don’t want to let anybody down. 

Think about why people sign up to slimming clubs - you could weigh yourself every week at home, put the money you would spend on the class in a jar and save up for a holiday. 

But it never happens because most of us are rubbish at holding ourselves accountable. 

So, find yourself a buddy to lose weight with or join a group.

If you’re interesting in joining the Real-life Midlife weightloss group then we have a Facebook group that’s part of the 12 week weightloss programme where everyone can share experiences, inspire and support each other. One of my previous clients said she loved this for being able to either ask for help or share a win.

1:1 support for easier weightloss

If you combine group support with a 1:1 element then now you’ve got a lot of people in your corner, making success much more likely.

You might be part of a couple who want to work together, a busy mum who doesn’t know how to make changes and keep the rest of the family happy or someone who is desperate for a way of eating and drinking that works for midlife and beyond.

It can really help to get you through the tough time, which will always happen, I’m afraid. Lucy, one of my clients found the 1:1 support meant she felt strongly that she wanted to succeed even though she was going through quite a stressful time. 

“I managed to implement the changes in a very busy period at work, and when my daughter had just gone to University, so the odds for success were well stacked against me. Ruth coaxed me through the 12 week programme, and I did not give up as she was so supportive”. 

Now, it doesn’t have to be me that coaches you through the tough times but having someone supporting you will massively improve your chances of success.

‘Off the shelf’ diets don’t suit everyone as we’re all different whereas one to one sessions mean the food fundamentals can be tailored so that it suits you.  Your situation could be very different to somebody else’s so if it’s personalised it can account for this and allow flexibility in different circumstances.

And a bonus one!…

Take your time - we live in a fast paced world and are used to instant results…thank you Google! :)

Did you know they reckon it takes 66 days to make a habit?

So if you made a New Year’s resolution to eat healthily, you need to keep it going until March 7th for the new things to stick! I know some people think a 12 week programme is a long time and are worried about the commitment. But the positive of doing that length of programme is that it gives you time to develop new habits. 

You’ve got time to take on board new ideas, have a go with them, get used to them, adapt them to your situation. You need to be in for the long-haul rather than chasing the quick fix (as tempting as it is!). 

Don’t quit and before you know it, the people around you have helped you value the behaviours of the person you want to become. And those people you surround yourself with have put you on the path to becoming the healthy midlifer you want to be. 

If you would like support with making your weightloss easier or if you want to find out more about the Real-life Midlife weightloss programme, then why not chat to me? 

There’s no pressure as I only want to work with people who want to be there! But maybe this year you could get the results that Lucy did too. You can schedule your best date and time HERE and I’ll look forward to chatting with you. 

Content Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Midlife Menu Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.

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