How to Start Losing Weight
Over the past couple of weeks I have given you some solid and honest reviews of some of the most popular weight loss products out there. This week I wanted to give you some solid information of my own on your goal - shedding those pounds!
Lets’ face it, at one time or another we have wanted or desired something without feeling 100% certain that we are going to get it. One of the biggest uncertainties we face on a day to day basis is our health and general well being. Despite a lot of publicity for ‘healthy lifestyles’ from the government and the media in the last few years, the rising levels of obesity in society suggest that a lot of people either don’t know how to start losing weight, or think it is going to be too much of an effort to be worthwhile
Of course , much of this is due to a lack of understanding and proper education about the facts. The truth is that many people today want a quick fix or they are not bothered to put in the work. However, with proper preparation it is actually remarkably simple to achieve noticeable losses in weight in a short space of time. Like with most things in life it starts in the mind.
Losing weight requires a process and like any process this means beginning properly. It is for this reason that you need to think very carefully about what exactly it is that you are looking to achieve. Think about some clearly defined goals that can be realistically achieved. It is important to start from a position of conviction. Do not disrespect yourself or the routine by treating it as a fad. You need to believe that you are capable of achieving your weight loss goals as much as you want them.
A calm and settled mind is one that is best able to receive information and then process it in the right way. Absorbing information about different weight loss techniques that may be useful to you is best done when you are settled and in a quiet space (reading the health and fitness column in a magazine on your lunch break may not be the best place to start). Try to settle down at a time that is quiet and free from distractions. There is a lot to consider and think about- from what to eat to when and how to exercise. If this seems like effort remember that a bit of time preparing will save you time in the long run.
Relaxation is the key to all this. Not only will you absorb information easier but you will also use your energy more productivity. If you try to start an exercise routine when you are not in a good state of mind you will probably find it to be a counter- productive exercise. Of course a little stress can actually be helpful in putting you under pressure to succeed. The trick is to know how to deal with that. Many people who are overweight are also highly anxious, stressed and depressed. Not a good frame of mind to be attempting anything new.
There are many ways this can be countered. Some of the best include Pilates and Yoga which have grown in popularity amongst weight loss experts. There are other techniques that are great for newcomers and that can be learnt and picked up relatively quickly. These include simple breathing exercises and a technique known as Positive Muscle Relaxation or PMR.
The technique PMR was developed as a supplement to breathing exercises and is very helpful for relaxing your body when your muscles are feeling tense.
The concept behind it is that you tense up a group of muscles so that they are in as tight a contracted state as possible. You should them maintain them in this condition for a few seconds. Then, relax the muscles back how they were in their previous state. At the end try to consciously relax the muscles even further so that you are as relaxed as possible.
This is a mental technique that can produce noticeable results straight away. If you follow the procedure outline earlier you will probably find that you are able to relax your muscles more than would be the case if you tried to relax your muscles directly.
Experiment with this relaxation technique by clenching your hand into a fist, and clenching it as tight as you can for a few seconds. Then relax your hand to its previous relaxed state, and then think hard about it being even more relaxed again so that it is as loose as possible. If done properly you should begin to feel a deep sense of relaxation in your hand muscles.
