Losing weight and losing fat are two different things. Losing weight as measured by the scale could signify loss of water and loss of muscle without any fat loss at all. Worse, loss of muscle results in an
increase in body fat %. Over time, decreased muscle mass and increased body fat % will result in the body being compromised.
There are three important facts to remember:
- Losing fat happens slowly and is facilitated by proper nutrition and building muscle through exercise.
- Losing weight by means of some crazy, unbalanced diet, may be gratifying in the short term (because the scale will register large amounts of weight being lost) but the results are not sustainable or desirable (because of the increase in body fat % and loss of valuable muscle mass).
- Health and fitness are not possible without the right nutrition and exercise.
- Our health is directly affected by the health of our environment.
Trying to achieve this goal I have set myself has resulted in me exploring the way I think and
why I think like that. Wanting instant solutions to situations is really created by the socio/economic society in which we live. It is attributable in no small measure to the advertising and marketing which imbue us with hidden beliefs on a daily basis. When these hidden beliefs are confronted by reality we become frustrated. At some level we believe in magic. Unfortunately, magic does not work in the real world (not in this dimension anyway!) and it is vital that this is recognised and dealt with consciously.
This vacuous belief in magic (e.g. magical products that will instantly solve our problems) can undo our resolve. Without recognising unconsciously held beliefs, we will remain victims, unable to stay motivated enough to reach our goals.
Diana Elsmere
