Weight Loss & Reality

February 22, 2011 15:10 by author

What is it about the latest run of Reality Weight Loss shows that holds our attention? Such as X-Weighted, Biggest Loser, Ruby, Heavy and Village on a Diet. We tune in weekly, in droves, to watch these contestants struggle with all too familiar weight loss issues.

On average the shows are similar. Morbidly obese people try to shed their excess weight with the help of a team of health care professionals. Contestants days are spent working out, learning about what to eat and when. Eventually weight goes down, physical and mental strength goes up, then they are sent home to go it alone. Some completely change their lives while others eventually slip back into their old habits.

On the most part, we tune in each week to see how the contestants are doing on their journeys. We want to maybe pick up some tips to help us on our journeys. It can be inspiring to see someone else have the same struggles we face and watch them be successful, it gives us hope.

So what do the people on the Reality shows have, that we don’t have?

The luxury of nothing else to do all day but workout.
Fancy trainers and fully equipped gyms.
Fully stocked kitchens with healthy choices.
Qualified people telling them what to eat and when.
A therapist helping with unresolved issues.

What would the list look like if we tweaked it a bit for real life people?

Force yourself to find time each week to work out, 3 X 30 minutes weekly. If you truly can’t find time for yourself 3 times in a week, then maybe there are more issues than you realize. See number 5.
If you truly want to exercise and get healthy you do not need a fancy trainer/gym. Look outside, Canada is a beautiful country there are so many things to do outside, even in February. Ok start with looking around your home, stairs, chairs, objects so many things can be used differently to give you a great workout. The key is to start somewhere. If it’s accountability you need then I’d suggest joining a fancy gym.
You say you can’t afford healthy food (not getting into that debate, gotta watch my blood pressure). Why not start with 1 thing, replace one thing in your diet. Whole milk with 2%, pop with water, coffee and cream with black coffee, you get the idea. Think like Orville Redenbacher, do one thing and do it well.
Talk with your favorite Nutritionist. She is a real life inspiration.
There are many qualified therapists right here on the Island to help with those issues. You know the issues, the ones that you keep ignoring thinking that they will just go away. Why intentionally hold yourself back from the greatness you were born to be?

Check with your health coverage at work. You might be surprised at what you have available to you and you don’t even know it. For example Great West Life has what is called EAP, Employee Assistance Program. Counselling is given over the phone for free, on a wide range of topics: money, marriage, kids and much more. Also Great West Life may have up to $500 yearly that can be spent on alternative therapies. It is worth looking into. Our services are covered under EVEN more health plans now.