The Professional Edition 2 March 2021 | Page 14

How can I get a different result to what I have experienced in the past ?
I often hear people saying things like , “ I have tried everything . Nothing works ”. Or , “ I do so well for short periods of time , but time and again I find myself not following through and despite all my hard work , before I know it I have gained all the weight back again .”
Did you know that 98 % of people who lose weight gain it back within 6 months ?
There is a reason that some programmes are really effective and others simply are not . Programmes that get the best results in the shortest period of time have four key parts . I like to refer to these as the four legs of a table . If you take out any one of them , the table falls . Each of the legs is equally important , and when all are present your experience will be different from the past .
1 . The Plan — this means having a plan that works for you . There are many different plans available , and it is tough to know exactly which one to follow . As health coaches we suggest considering some guiding principles :
• Simplicity . Every new habit must align to your life and circumstances and must be easy to implement . When you overcomplicate things , you are far more likely to ditch the plan when life is hectic , and your schedule is busy .
• Uniqueness . You have a unique body that requires an individualised approach . What works for one person may not work for you . You want to find out as quickly as possible which options ( food / movement / self-care ) are optimal for you . Tune in to your body to discover which options nourish , energise and inspire you .
• Sustainability . Make sure whatever plan you choose is fun . If you are having fun , you are far more likely to stick to the plan . Celebrate that you get to do this for your body rather than focusing on what you are missing out on . Fun and positive reframing will help you build healthy habits that become your way of doing things , just like brushing your teeth every day .
2 . Accountability — most of us know what to do , but we just do not do it . Having someone to keep you accountable , and to give you a nudge when you are going off track , is probably the single most important ingredient to your success .
3 . Support — this means having someone to help encourage you when you are stuck and you are unsure what to do . This is where a health coach can play a key role .
4 . Tribe — being surrounded by a community of like-minded people with similar health goals means there is added support , extra accountability , sharing of ideas and experiences , and greater celebration of successes !
How long will it take for the body to recover fully or adapt to the habit ?
Research tells us that it takes 21 days to change a habit . But if I can let you in on a little secret , it takes the first weekend . In my experience , if you can convince yourself to make it through the first five days and through the first weekend , you will be well on your way to success .
What types of food do you recommend after one has recovered ?
As health coaches we believe in “ moderation over deprivation ”. The diet mentality is based on deprivation . You get quickfix results because you are able to deprive yourself for a temporary period of time .
14