Preparing for Fat Loss (Part I)
July 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
There are thousands of fat loss diets out there and just as many training regiments to help shed those pounds. No matter which program or diet that is tried, some people do well and some people just do not. One diet might work for one person and not work at all for another. There are some physiological reasons for these differences, but based on my years of working with people, most of it turns out to be lack of preparation.
Most books and programs do not spend a lot of time on preparation for fat loss. In fact, the majority of programs and diets I have come across direct the fat loss client to just dive right in and follow their programs…as is, no questions asked.
The problem with that approach is that it only really works with some of the people some of the time. Many people out there need more than that; they need a game plan as well to reach true success.
Part I: Preparation – ‘Setting the Table’
One of the problems that I have experienced with fat loss plans and diets is that there is no preparation aspect. In other words…. "here is your program, get started and follow it and you will lose that fat!" For many people out there, losing large amounts of weight is a big lifestyle change and it is not just something you can really "jump" into blindly…therefore a prep period is essential.
Setting Goals
Goal setting is nothing new and many programs out there as well as trainers make their weight loss clients set goals, and this is a good thing. Without a direction and a goal centered focus, you will get nowhere fast. If you hate to set goals or have problems doing it, just set two goals to begin with. Your first goal will be your long-term mission. An example of this might be something like; "Lose 50 pounds!" or "Drop three dress sizes!" That is your big, long-term mission. This goal will set the pace and keep you motivated as you move along.
Your second goal is a short-term goal to help get you moving in the direction of that long-term goal. It is vital that you have a strong short-term goal or 2 to help you see the light. An example of a short-term goal could be as little as "Get to the gym 3 days a week for the next 4 weeks!" another could be "map out my nutrition and eating plan on paper." Short-term goals are goals that point you in the direction of your overall mission. You need to constantly change up your short-term goals to keep you moving.
Brand new lifestyle
When you embark on your fat loss journey, you need to be prepared for a total lifestyle change. Too many people start this journey with no lifestyle changes at all. To be truly successful, you will have to make some big changes in your life at home, work and at play.
It is not enough just to cut certain foods out and hit the gym a few days a week. This will work in the short term, but unless other changes in your life are made, true success will be difficult.
A few key strategies:
• Clean out and load up your kitchen on day one. You have to prepare your kitchen or eating area before you start this fat loss program. Get rid of the bad stuff, and load up on the good stuff before you begin. Be ready from day one. Get a trash bag, and start throwing away what you cannot have. If you have kids and other family members, separate their food from your food. If possible, find an area where you can keep your stuff and stay away from their stuff.
• Purchase food storage containers and bags. To be successful you will have to prepare food ahead of time and you will need containers and bags to do this. Make sure you have them and enough of them at your disposal.
• Put your training dates into your calendar and do not skip those appointments. Treat them like you would paying a bill on time or a doctor’s visit. Those appointments need to be just as important in your mind as keeping that doctor’s appointment. Schedule the rest of your life around your training times.
• Let your co-workers know what you are up to. Your plan will be easier to stick to if you work in an environment of support and you will get more if people know exactly what and why you are training and dieting. More on this later.
• You can still have a social life when you are working towards your fat loss goal. Plan out your ‘fun, social’ times before you head out. In other words, if you want to have that drink, go for it. Just plan it out ahead of time. If you know you are going out on a Saturday night with friends, plan to have one or two drinks during your time that you are out with friends. If you plan it, it will be easier to stick to having just the one or two drinks. Remember that after you have your drinks, you are done for the night. Drink water the rest of the time. Remember, no one said it would be easy, but the more prepared you are, the better you will be in both the short and long run.
Being prepared for your fat loss battle is one of the most important aspects of being successful Do not go in without taking steps to prepare mentally. Following the above mentioned steps will help you prepare a little more and hopefully help you achieve your ultimate goal.
Stay tuned for another ‘Fat Loss Preparation’ article soon. Until then, whether you are already on your way or just starting your fat loss journey, it is never too late to prepare and once you do, you will find your mission much easier. Good luck!
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