“Everything is hard before it is easy.” – Goethe
When I read/hear/view about all the wonderful “weight loss” programs that abound in our Western society today, I am saddened by the number of people who literally buy in to the multi-billion-dollar industry which frequently promises miraculous results – and in a very short time, of course!
To the best of my knowledge (and in my Christian belief) authentic miracles are recorded only in the Holy Bible. To the best of my memory (although I am not a biblical scholar!) weight loss is not recorded as one of those miracles …
That brings me to the topic of this column.
We have become a society which expects, and even demands, instant results. From the growing/preparation of our foods – having the “dream home” – to wrinkle removers and everything in between, we want it now. Generally, the effects of smoking, eating poorly, a sedentary lifestyle and inactivity take a while to actually become visible. Yet the general population expects remarkable results in a short period of time. Lose 20 pounds in a month – sure! Nine inches off the hips in a matter of weeks – why not?
It seems to me, with the number of fitness centers, weight-loss programs, workout DVDs, and the high-tech fitness equipment available, that 70 percent of Americans should not be overweight.1 Let’s take a look at some of the possible reasons why this might be the case.
Grocery “super stores” are filled to the brim with many aisles of processed, sugar-heavy, chemical-laden items. The next time you are tempted to toss one of these items in your cart, be sure to check out the expiration date. The further out the date, the more wary you should be of that particular “food” product. A shelf stable food item dated months ahead is cause for concern.
Additionally, if you live in any area of the country that claims to be a city or town, you don’t have to travel far to access a “fast food” establishment. Although it is true that some of these provide salads and some pseudo-healthy alternatives, too many of us frequent them far too often.
Also, I must confess that I have a tendency to take a quick look at the grocery carts of those shopping around me … sorry folks! In doing so I am often appalled at what I see, which is all too often overweight parents shopping with their children and pushing a grocery cart full of junk foods. I find this very sad as this not only adds empty calories in the children’s diet, but the unnecessary chemicals can interfere with their learning and cognitive growth.
There is a modern, proverbial adage: “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” I do believe this in relation to the above topic. People are frequently derailed when they find they are unable to obtain their fitness goals in a short period of time, and/or stay consistent with the healthy lifestyle required to maintain their goal. Don’t let the “quick fix” mentality undermine your efforts and determination to be healthy, fit, and energetic. You can do it!
1 Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.