Motivation to Lose Weight

It’s starting to get warm, and with that, we’re shedding some “layers” of clothing. This is the moment you look down, notice that bulge magically appearing around your “love handles,” and for a second you think… Phew, there’s no time! And if you didn’t put your New Year’s wishes into action the day after, don’t worry, it’s not all lost yet—you can start slimming down tomorrow!

In the following article, I’m not going to share any hidden tricks or secrets to lose weight and improve your silhouette. Nope, quite the opposite—I’m going to give you a reality check on why many people still weigh the same or even more than they did a while ago (right after they decided to get in shape) and instead of moving forward, they’re paddling against the current and drifting away.

Losing weight means something way deeper: improving quality of life.

First goal: know why you need to lose weight

How to Lose Weight Fast?

If you were hoping to find the answer to that subtle question, here it is: avoid putting “weight” and “fast” in the same sentence, and don’t even read the descriptions—they’re the biggest favor you can do yourself…

All those trendy diets popping up from under the rocks, surfacing every summer, share two things: they promise big results in very little time, but sooner or later they’re doomed to fail.

So next time you see headlines or paragraph starters like:

• “Lose weight easily…”
• “Lose weight fast and effortlessly…”
• “Drop 5 kg in 2 days…”
• “Guaranteed results…”
• “The pineapple and water glass diet…”

What you can guarantee is that it’s the classic “short-term fix, long-term hunger,” because these are temporary solutions that in most cases are unsustainable and will definitely compromise your health.

A cutting or weight loss program must first and foremost respect the person’s nutritional needs and never cut out important nutrients for any reason. Also, body changes and speed don’t get along well, and if they happen too fast, chances are they’ll come back just as quickly.

This is a marathon, not a sprint

How to Lose Weight?

The last bell rang, and with it, our new year’s resolutions start taking shape, with the top of the list being: join the gym and lose weight

It seems like an automatic change, as simple as deciding that tomorrow is the day to start your tune-up for summer, so you can rock the pool or beach, and in no time, voilà, you’ll have that fabulous “6-Pack”…

Well, sorry to burst your bubble, it’s not that easy. You need two fundamental pillars, which can even apply to any other area of life, as long as you really want to reach your goal:

1. Consistency
2. Sacrifice

The rest is just made up.

Why do you need to be consistent?

Nobody achieves anything in life by chance (well, maybe by inheritance…). Whatever goal you set, it depends on the willpower you bring. Falling down is allowed, but what’s more important is getting back up. When it comes to improving body composition, losing weight or slimming down, you have to accept it’s a process with ups and downs, and tough moments, but if you face them with determination and conviction, success is guaranteed.

You give up the moment you stop believing in yourself.

Why do you have to sacrifice?

Sacrifice sounds like being strict, not enjoying, missing out… Well, maybe. I don’t think anyone would argue that, but here nobody gives you anything for free. If you’re not the one putting in the effort, I don’t think your neighbor will come knocking to remind you.

• If you have to set your alarm 45 min earlier to “do some cardio,” that’s your call;
• If you have to skip that delicious slice of cake, that’s your call;
• If you have 45 min to train or check your phone notifications, that’s your call…

This sacrifice has a huge reward: adding quality years to your life

Why Should You Lose Weight?

Basically, two things motivate us when we want to lose weight:

1. Health
2. Appearance

Lose Weight to Be Healthy

Do you know all the risks of staying in an unhealthy weight situation?

From people who have a few extra kilos to those with more significant weight, without trying to scare you, any adverse health factor can get worse. We’re talking about not maintaining a proper weight increasing the risk of developing any of the following conditions, sometimes influenced by genetics, and depending on how much extra weight you carry, it will be easier to get and/or develop:

• Heart disease and/or risk of heart attack
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Possibility of developing some types of cancer
• Kidney problems
• Breathing problems (sleep apnea, asthma…)
• Joint problems, like osteoarthritis or gout

Lose Weight to Like Yourself

You have to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

A delicate topic. And in the previous context, I believe being overweight or close to obesity isn’t healthy, and no matter what they sell you about being happy that way, I think it’s quite the opposite.

I don’t think these people would refuse if offered the chance to wake up the next day at an ideal weight. I think no one would say no. Although some might think: “…well, if we’re fine like this, why change, and we look happy…”

One of the coolest things that stands out when you improve your body fat percentage or any positive body change is that you leave your old self behind and make way for a more determined you, who faces life positively, creating a huge motivation feedback loop… That’s why the hardest part is starting, once you’re going, no one can stop you.

If you’ve decided to go on a diet to slim down, don’t let others think for you or convince you otherwise. You know what’s best for you, so what are you waiting for?

What’s the Best Diet to Lose Weight?

It’s a bit of a vague question, and can be summed up as: the one that’s most comfortable for you.

Obviously, there’s a catch. If by comfort you mean relying on frozen and ultra-processed foods instead of investing time (investing in health…) preparing your meals, then you’ve missed the point.

“Comfort” refers to a nutritional plan that’s healthy and, of course, sustainable. This word, which sounds like super glue, just means avoiding straying from the planned path. But all without pressure, and never uncomfortable or heavy. Sounds tricky, right?

Well, just like I don’t know how to do a stucco paint job and avoid botching it, why keep experimenting with your health? There are pros who can help you here and save you from the collateral damage of going on a diet on your own (health again…).

Change Your Habits

This is the main first step on the path that will truly help you improve, almost automatically, both health-wise and visually (and objectively).

Maybe one of the biggest changes is avoiding going to the supermarket, and even more so the market. Oh wait… what are you telling me… Yep, there’s no more obesogenic environment than going with your cart and shopping list (and ending up buying stuff not on it), and being blown away by the subliminal info and brainwashing to make you do what they want.

But I don’t have time to go to twenty different places to shop… That’s a great excuse, but everyone has to decide how to manage their time and what percentage they want to dedicate to their health. Obviously, you can go to the supermarket, but with your mind made up.

Start Yesterday

Every time you postpone starting your plan, a kitten commits suicide.

I hate hearing: “…I’ll start Monday…” but why? What happens on Mondays? Do the stars align or what? It’s the most ridiculous excuse I know. Sorry, that’s just me. If you really want to make a change, you’re already late, to begin with. So if you keep putting it off, you’re not being serious with yourself, nor with those who believe in you.

Don’t put obstacles in your own way, think about all the benefits waiting for you, and I imagine you’re ready to make them happen.

Make Your Routine Your Lifestyle

As someone once said: if you work doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life; in our context, the same applies.

True success comes when you stop thinking about what or why you’re doing it, and everything flows naturally. The trick is finding that path and making everything you do part of your daily routine. Again, you can find help from people who solve these challenges.

Just like the sun sets every day, it will rise again tomorrow. Don’t lose your motivation!

Don’t Count Days, Make the Days Count

If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or like you’re not reaching your goal… and you see the days passing and you’re almost the same, don’t despair. Nobody said it would be easy, but it will probably be worth it. Every day is a new challenge, a new game, where only you have to find the key to close each session and prepare for the next.

I hope this helped you understand that if your wish is to get in shape, it’s never too late to start, and there will be many more summers to show off 😉