The Dark Secret Behind Failed Weight Loss Attempts: Succeed With These 5 Time-Tested Strategies
The Friday Five
Takeaway: There’s a lot of nonsense in the fitness space regarding the best approach for weight loss. In this article, I’ll share the only five things you need to do to see real results.
The most common goal of people who seek my help is weight loss.
Each year millions of people set out to lose weight. (Many for their second, third, or seventh time.)
And yet, the failure rate sits at about 80%.
These are disheartening numbers, and I've personally experienced my own contribution to this statistic. Chances are good this isn't your first rodeo either.
Every year, new diets are created and marketed to consumers with renewed hope that "this will be it." Unfortunately, it almost never works out that way.
Instead, every new diet makes the world of weight loss more confusing for consumers like you. These diets will frequently argue conflicting principles, making it hard to decipher what's accurate information.
Most fitness coaches jump on this bandwagon and pledge allegiance to the diet they themselves have had success with. Then, they turn around and support that diet for every client they work with, regardless of that person's lifestyle, preferences, or health history.
It's a nasty secret of the fitness industry.
I can tell you right now, that ain't my thing.
I don't treat any dieting strategy like gospel. I help my clients decipher the information that will actually help them successfully lose weight.
And I'll start here with five time-tested strategies to successfully lose weight:
Log your food. This creates a record to identify eating habits, and forces you to take responsibility over your food choices—both powerful measures to improve your eating.
Eat protein in each meal. Protein helps build muscle, which helps burn more fat. Protein will also help you stay full between meals, helping you eat less.
Drink enough water. Most people are chronically dehydrated which can cause fatigue, headaches, and affect your mood. Make sure to drink enough water to stay hydrated throughout the day. (And forgo the sugary drinks while you're at it.)
Lift weights. Protein helps you build muscle, but lifting weights is the catalyst. And more muscle burns more fat, helps you fill out your clothes better, and generally makes your life more awesome. (P.S. It doesn't make women bulky either.)
Stay consistent. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, this isn't a short term process. It's a long-term commitment. But this doesn't mean it will be hard forever. :-)
If you want even more in-depth info on each of these five tips, click here to read more about each.
If you only did those five things, you would be more successful than the majority of these diets that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Are you ready to commit to the truth?
~ Coach Alex
P.S. If you want to learn the no-nonsense nutrition approach we use with our A-Team clients around the world, then click here to enroll in our 5 Laws of Weight Loss online nutrition course. We break down everything you need to demystify your eating and avoid the pitfalls of modern dieting.
Well said! I would add to #2 "...lean protein balanced with healthy nutrient-dense foods", which also contributes to feeling full longer, reduced fats consumed, strengthens the immune system and a higher energy level. Finally, measure your success in terms of overall health and well-being, which includes weight management metrics as just one measurement. #5 Long-term: When choosing a meal plan, choose a balanced, healthy-way of eating and foods in which one feels fully satiated without feeling restricted, so your journey becomes a permanent lifestyle change versus a short-term weight loss program. Thank you for the article! You sparked in me a moment of personal reflection of my own journey.