subject: Losing Weight is a Loser's Bet [print this page] Losing Weight is a Loser's Bet Losing Weight is a Loser's Bet
I was at my mom's house and she had a book on her desk about losing weight. I've been in an intensive study program that looks at how we use language and how the words we use frame our point of view about life.
In the US, weight loss programs are a multi-billion dollar industry. Endless television commercials remind us of how fat we are and how we can buy someone's latest book, exercise program on DVD, or a magic vitamin that solves your weight loss problem in no time. Right after that, we see a commercial for a fast food chain selling their latest heart stopping burger.
Additionally, we have more commercials that deal with the side effects of being overweight; heart disease, low energy, sexual dysfunction, and of course low self-esteem as a result of being shaped like a marshmallow. Your fat and get winded climbing a flight of stairs? No problem! Take a pill.
Everyone knows how to lose weight: proper diet and exercise. Easy, right?
Yet... we have epidemic obesity in America today. We look for things to blame like fast food restaurants on every corner, too much sugar in our diets, and we have no time. We have excuses for staying fat and unfit. Those excuses keep us on the sidelines of our lives.
So, what's missing? Why are people bulking up and putting their long-term health in jeopardy? I'll start by looking at the words we use to describe the problem. The problem is addressed with the following words, "lose" and "weight."
The word "lose" implies more than something to get rid of, it implies that you are a loser. You got fat, you're out of the tribe. You are not to be associated with, and people are in their rights to make fun of you. As a social animal, humans want to be part of the group and liked. Being fat, or overweight, implies you are unloveable and not acceptable to the group. Nothing hurts more than to not belong.
Second, is the word "weight." Weight is neutral. Weight is the thing we focus on. If we lose weight, we'll be socially acceptable, sexy, and happy. We'll be something, but only if we can lose weight.
Put the words together, and we get "lose weight." People get crazy about losing weight without looking at what it is they actually want from losing weight. The way the problem is phrased indicates losing weight will fail from the start.
The weight loss industry counts on us buying products, failing, and then trying a new product. Rinse and repeat. The cycle continues until people just give up all together, or become fitness fanatics. (Most people give up.) To make matters worse, the pharmaceutical industry counts on us being tubby so they can sell us cures for being overweight, unhappy, and unfit. Bob, the guy on the Viagara commercials, sure seems super happy. Take a pill, be happy.
So... what do we do? Let's start by focusing on what it is we want from losing weight. In my case, I focused on being healthy and reducing the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. These are great things, but they're results of being fit. What is it I really want? I want to be sexy and attractive to women! So, I get fit to be and feel sexy and healthy.
The focus is on what I want and the outcome I desire. Counting calories and measuring pounds are optional. I'd recommend giving up the mad quest to count calories and shed pounds. What matters is what you see in the mirror. Do you see a healthier body and a smile on your face? No? Something's missing.
Getting fit is simple. In my case, when I drool over the double cheeseburger with extra bacon, I ask myself, will this make me sexy and healthy? Nope. I pass. "Ooo!!! That hot fudge sundae with caramel and nutslooks so good!!!" Pass again.
Now, I don't want to advocate living like a monk and never letting sugar, fatty foods, or the ever delicious bacon from passing your lips. No, way. I urge you to live life to the fullest. Have that slice of pie, cake, dish of ice cream, or double cheeseburger once in a while. Keep the bad foods to a minimum. Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed.
Now consider exercise. Exercise is grueling, boring, and it makes you sore. It's not really a surprise people pick up exercise programs, books, DVDs and then put them down. It's totally unfocused physical labor. Sitting on that comfortable recliner in front of the tube is not going to help anyone have a great life in any manner.
Training on the other hand, is exercise with a focus. You study your body, have a coach, and you have a purpose for putting yourself through a rigorous process. There is an outcome to be achieved. It could be running for a marathon to fight diabetes, or simply because you want to feel great, have lots of energy, and look your best. The focus is what makes it worth it for you. Find that, and you'll be slimming down in no time. Find exercises you enjoy. Any physical motion is exercise, being challenged for obtaining a goal is even more rewarding.
To summarize, look at the words you say about yourself in regard to your weight. Realize that we live in a culture that wants us to be prisoners on the never ending treadmill of weight loss for profit. Create who you want to be, and then find what words describe who you want to be. Keep those words in mind when taking your actions. I'm choosing sexy and healthy, baby!
Find your why. Get off the couch. It's your life, go have some adventures!
Cheers!!!
Losing Weight is a Loser's Bet
By: Dave Graham
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