7 Damaging Weight Loss Excuses

1. Lack of time

Yes, eating healthy and staying active requires investing some time. However, it’s mostly a question of priorities. Although we may be tired of hearing it, we all have 168 hours in a week. Take some time to identify how you spend it in order to organize according to your oblilgations and priorities. For example, we know that in 2015, Quebecers watched an average of 33.67 hours of television per week. So, what are your priorities?

2. The kids don’t like those foods

Whether it’s vegetables, or fish, or certain grain products, or other « healthy » food choices, I often hear my clients tell me that they stay away from certain healthy foods because their kids just don’t like them. Well, they can’t possibly acquire a taste for it if they never eat it! It’s normal to deal with resistance to change, but that shouldn’t be a reason to throw in the towel…you must keep trying!

3. I’m not motivated

Ahh, that elusive motivation, it is fleeting and it often fails us. But remember, motivation comes from the inside. Establishing a powerful « why » is the best way to find your motivation. Determine why you want to lose weight, and you should dig deeper than « to be healthier » or « to look better ». You can fall back on those reasons when motivation is waning.

4. Healthy foods are too expensive

You should know that it is quite possible to be cost effective and still eat well. This can easily be accomplished by taking advantage of weekly specials and by cooking relatively unprocessed basic staple foods. Furthermore, by cutting down on the times you dine out, your treats and goodies, and your alcohol consumption, you will generate substantial savings. You will also be saving future costs by investing in your health. You should turn the question around and ask yourself : why are overly-processed foods so affordable?

5. I don’t have the time to cook

Once again, it’s a question of priorities. It is possible to invest a minumum amount of time in the kitchen and still eat very well. You can also turn to the great selection of Zero Diet frozen meals or, if the budget allows, a healthy meal delivery service or caterer.

6. I’m too tired

We sometimes find ourselves somehow caught up in a vicious circle that only breeds more fatigue : stress, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet… Breaking this cycle requires an initial effort on your behalf and you may even feel more tired at first…but this is only temporary! Subsequently, you will start feeling the benefits of your improved lifestyle choices. You will start feeling less tired, feling better in your skin, feeling more energetic, feeling less stressed, have better sleep quality…

7. I often eat in restaurants/travel for work

What’s important is to do one’s best, regardless of the context. Look at the options on the menu and try looking for meals that contain a nice portion of vegetables. Stay away from the oversized portions of starches and added fats usually associated with restaurant cuisine. Take advantage of hotel gyms when on business trips. If you do not have access to a hotel gym, ask your trainer to prepare a workout that does not require equipment that you can do in your room, or you can go for a jog or a brisk walk. What’s important is that you try to get the most from your nutrition when on business trips or when dining out.

As you may very well know, resistance to change is a normal reaction and our brain is very creative when it comes to finding excuses. But, you must push past these excuses and try to find solutions that work for you. Consistency and tenacity are key! And don’t forget, both your trainer and your nutritionist can help you overcome the obstacles.

7 Damaging Weight Loss Excuses is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
Copyright © Nautilus Plus 2017