Losing Fat Not Weight

Losing weight is on the mind of a lot of Americans and it is
a very heavy burden.

By definition, losing weight is associated with loss, but
the loss involves far more than the shedding of unwanted
pounds. Perception has it that you must also suffer the
loss of eating enjoyment, eating comfort and a certain
social pleasure.

The negative associations of losing weight are legion:
abstinence, deprivation and torture, failure, guilt and the
imagined prospect of being on a diet for the rest of your
life. A heavy burden indeed!

It is understandable that many people simply give up. And
yet in their resignation they find neither peace nor
happiness.

Often when things aren’t working, it is helpful to look at
them from the inside out. A different point of view usually
leads to a fresh understanding which in turn can lead to a
new and better approach, increased motivation and greater
confidence.

Shift Your Perspective.

Consider that perhaps your real goal should not be weight
loss but the much broader and more important objective of
good health. Remember, obesity and good health cannot co-
exist. Also, it is very easy to be thin, unfit and
unhealthy.

It is far more positive and uplifting to pursue a goal of
vitality and vigor than to dwell in a mindset of lack and
suffering. As contradictory as it sounds, the best approach
to losing weight is to “grow” your body lean, strong and
healthy.

To understand this better, compare different ways of
approaching the old standards of diet and exercise.

Eat to Live…. Not to Lose Weight

Eat to grow strong, build your immune system and increase
your energy. Eating well is as essential to life as
breathing.

The traditional method of losing weight is to restrict
calories, put yourself into starvation mode and force your
body to scavenge its fat reserves. Although unpleasant,
this seems to make sense until you recall the fundamental
purpose behind eating.

Food provides the building blocks for growth and tissue
repair, supplies fuel for energy and vitamins and minerals
as catalysts and to boost the immune system. Don’t forget
cool, clear water, the medium in which these miracles occur.

If the quality of food is good, there is nothing you can cut
out if you want to live and flourish.

The alternative to dieting is to embrace a style of eating
that is nutrient rich but not calorie dense.
Coincidentally, the foods that meet the first requirement
also fill the second. Additionally, they are tasty, filling
and allow eating satisfaction without putting on the weight.

These include lean meats, fish, non-starchy vegetables and
fruit. This is not a “low-carb diet” but grains are
restricted because they pack far too many calories and,
compared to non-starchy vegetables, are lightweights in the
nutrient and fiber department.

Unless you know you have the nutritional background, I
recommend you consult a dietitian. In one or two sessions
they can help you create a satisfying plan that meets the
requirements above. Then get ready to thrive while you eat
well, get lean and grow strong.

Get Physical and Grow Lean

Get moving, not to burn calories, but to “grow” your heart
and lungs, build some muscle, stimulate your immune system,
increase bone density, relax, improve your attitude and have
more fun in life.

The traditional approach to exercise and losing weight is
“cardio”, often for long periods, indoors on a machine.
There are gyms, classes and programs and although they get
the job done if you stick with it, it’s a chore and it seems
to take a lot of sweat to lose a little weight.

Physical activity is natural to mankind; for our ancestors
it was unavoidable; as children we called it play. Now that
we are older there is no reason to be physical sloths.
Because we are “civilized” doesn’t mean that our only
physical activity has to be a monotonous, artificial means
to lose weight faster.

Walk whenever and wherever you can. Look around and enjoy
your surroundings. Take the stairs…. always. Get off the
sofa. Plan week-end outings, to scenic destinations, that
involve walking and climbing hills. Ride a bike. Begin or
revive a hobby that keeps you on your feet…. the more active
the better.

Shoot your TV. If you can’t bring yourself to do that, at
least be very selective about what you watch. This villain
wastes your body and numbs your mind.

Go out and use a rake to rake leaves and a walking mower to
cut the grass. Breathe deeply, feel your heart, savor the
movement of your body. Know that you are growing stronger.
Take a shower, rinse off the sweat and feel great.

If you work at a desk, elevate it so that you can work
standing up. Have a tall stool available for when you have
to sit. Take a quick walk several times a day. This will
clear your head and increase your productivity.

You get the general idea. You are moving away from
deprivation and imposed obligation to engage life fully,
with vigor and vitality. If you are like most people, you
will find that you are also growing character and self-
mastery.

You will also find that your weight is no longer an issue.

“Be Strong…. Be Lean” Howard McGarity “Coach Mac”

RESOURCE BOX: Howard McGarity has studied human physical
performance for most of his fifty-five years. He leads a
program designed to help people get off of their perpetual
diets so that they can get permanently lean, strong and
healthy. For more ideas go to: http://www.DumpYourDiet.com