Motivation
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Losing weight and getting in shape is hard work. It requires mental focus that takes a long time to work up to and maintain. Once you have that sharp focus, it can be difficult to keep a healthy perspective.
It's like the street map that I have a link to below. If I click on the [+] too many times and zoom in too far, I can't tell where I am. Instead I am obsessed with the tiniest details even if they don't matter in the long run. Unhealthy restrictive diets, daily weigh ins and obsession with calories or points are examples of that.
If I click on the [-] too many times, I zoom out so far I am lost. This might look like being unaware of how many calories are in the foods I eat, why I overeat, and why I skip exercising.
To make lifestyle changes and have them stick with you long term, I believe you must find the right amount of zoom. Stay focused on the things that matter. These things are your consistent daily behavior. Eating clean. Eating mostly plants and lean protien. Strength training. Walking. Drinking water. Getting good rest and relaxation. Being aware of what is in the food you eat. Being aware of your heart rate and how many calories you burn during exercise.
If you find yourself getting weighed each morning or obsessing over every calorie you eat, zoom out a bit and see if you can see the bigger picture in a healthy perspective.
If you are not focused and are just spending time thinking about making changes but not backing it up with the behavior change, zoom in and see what you can make a little bigger priority.
Now get moving!
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