Lose Weight Without Dieting?!

We’ve all seen posts on social media claiming to have the answer to everyone’s weight-loss prayers, “lose weight fast without dieting or exercising!” They promise us to drop pounds without putting down our fork, or even monitoring what’s going on it. Occasionally these posts can be very convincing when accompanied by a “before” and “after” photo and an amazing testimonial. Once in awhile I am guilty of thinking what I’m sure everyone else does, “could this be real?”

I am here to tell you that unless they are promoting a lifestyle change, it is complete b.s. Yes, I said it. The truth is there is no quick fix, no magic pill. If there was, everyone would know about its existence and everyone would be slim and trim. There is no detour for dedication and hard work. And if you think otherwise, you may be better off investing in a life coach to give you a more sensible outlook than whatever product is being sold promising you unrealistic results.

It’s not easy to make a lasting lifestyle change. I know, I have been there. At one point in my life I was over 300 lbs, battling depression, alcoholism and an eating disorder. In my attempts to lose weight, I had tried several fad diets, pills and other quick fixes and all have failed! The only way that I have been able to lose over 130 lbs and keep it off is by changing my mind and habits. It took years to re-wire my brain and teach myself how to lead a healthy, active, balanced life. There is no substitution for hard work. None.

Can you lose weight without dieting? Sure. It’s called exercise. There is no doubt that getting up and moving more without changing your eating will cause weight-loss in most people. It’s as simple as calories in, calories out. If you eat exactly the same (assuming you are not over-eating a large amount of calories), you should experience a net loss.

Can you lose weight without exercise? Certainly. It’s called watching what you eat. If you cut out some of the unhealthy food choices, most often you will see an improvement on the scale. Will dieting alone allow you to develop a tight, toned body? No.

Will you continue to progress on exercise alone? No. There comes a point where your progress will stall or plateau if no dietary changes take place. As I like to tell my clients, think of your body as a machine and food as fuel for your workout. Diet and exercise go hand-in-hand to develop lasting healthy lifestyles. You are not going to get permanent healthy changes to your body without the proper mindset and putting in work!

Lifestyle changes involve small gradual changes in a positive direction. There is no quick fix; you will not experience lasting results without making permanent changes. We must re-learn how to be healthy and happy in a steady paced and deliberate way. It takes patience and persistence. Only when you dedicate yourself to the process, take the time needed to make a mental, emotional and physical change, will you experience lasting results.

Be strong. Be brave. Be defiant!