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Are You Ready to Win Gold at the “Weight Loss” Olympics?

By Julie Dargan August 11, 2024 Health and Fitness

Although the Olympic Games Paris 2024 are over, dedicated athletes will not stop training vigorously, their eyes on the next championship. And let me tell you, you can follow in their steps to get yourself off the starting blocks and put your weight loss plan in action.

Here are my 4 action steps that all Olympic athletes follow to achieve their dreams, and you can incorporate these steps yourself.

The Warm-Up Stage

No pain, no gain may be the mantra, but only if you are not properly prepared. Preparation has you on your way to winning your gold ticket, and the first place you need to prepare is in the pantry.

Preparing your pantry is like a warm-up routine, you must do it before you try for success.

Plan on deciding your meals ahead of time, including making sure to have all the ingredients you need. Aim to write down exactly what you will be needing at least three days of meals ahead. Be sure to commit to a workable starting position. You do not want to be starting a new program three days ahead of a weekend getaway!

Seek Out a Coach or Mentor

All Olympians have a coach or mentor. Most importantly, it will usually be someone they have carefully selected whom they trust. The same applies to you keeping on track with your weight loss goal. The right mentor can help with accountability and making the changes needed as well.

They will help get you in the right frame of mind to achieve your goal. And it doesn’t always mean having to spend a lot of money. Be sure to find someone who understands your frustrations and has knowledge on weight loss when you choose your weight loss coach.

The Starting Blocks Stage

Get all the basics organized. This means more than simple starting weight and measurements such as waist and hips. I recommend you write down simple facts such as sleep patterns, energy levels, ability to climb a flight of stairs (think breathless or not). Also remember to document any aches or pains and frequency of headaches.

Losing weight comes with a host of other benefits that you may not realize. When I lost over 25kg 10 years ago, I did not realise how much my diet and being overweight affected me.

My hair was like straw. I was tired and moody. I did not feel good about myself and was cold all the time. If I had known how much of a positive effect losing weight would have made on my life, I would have made more of an effort sooner than I did.

The Training Sessions

Now that you have laid the foundations for achieving success, don’t let your bad habits interfere with your weight loss success. Being wary of any hindrances in your success allows you to combat them ahead of time.

This includes keeping away from friends that may mean well but in all honesty may be sabotaging your efforts. It also involves hiding away – or removing from easy reach – any sweets/nibbles that you keep in your house though you know they tempt you.

Also try to opt out on having dessert when you go out for dinner. Your good efforts can go astray when being put to the test if you have too many obstacles in your path.

Now You Are On Your Way to Winning Gold

You will soon start seeing successful results, whether it be weight loss on the scales or feeling more at ease in the clothes you are wearing. It will become clear that your hard work is starting to pay off. You might note a shift in your mind focus.

You will not feel like a loser anymore, because you are not. Every little step in the right direction is a step towards success. Even if you take one step back with every two steps forward, you are a success. Belief in yourself is paramount to success!

The hard work starts now, so don’t declare weight loss victory until you know you are well and truly off the starting blocks and have your training regime in place. Once you have these steps in place you are on the road to victory.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you got the motivation to really win gold with your weight loss program? What techniques have you tried in the past to succeed in losing weight and keeping it off? Which stage in your weight loss Olympic training program are you? Please share your stories below, and let’s have a conversation!

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Annie OHannion

I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and agree with much of this article. Nicely written !
It’s also great to document not only what you are eating and drinking but how you feel after you consume foods and beverages. You will begin to see trends. This may help you to understand more about which behaviors are healthy and which may be holding you back
Also keep in mind that you need micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals which are dependent on your personal needs
if you have any chronic illnesses or take any medications be sure to let your doctor know what you are doing.
Definitely get a buddy or even a
group of people who will support your goals
and be sure to reach out to friends or a health coach as suggested especially if you fall of the wagon for whatever reason.
All the best!

Toni Stritzke

Listening to another commentator, I live with a skinny man who is a
cake connoisseur. But my motivation is my health. Even a half a kilo weight loss will help my health condition improve. It literally makes it easier to walk. I’m at the no turning back stage. So plenty of motivation there. I make as many vegetable rich soups and salads as I can and satisfy my sweet tooth with dried fruit and almonds. I am determined to win gold.

Myrna

I wholeheartedly recommend listening to Progressive Hypnosis weight loss sessions on Youtube while you sleep. I’ve lost considerable weight at age 68! She has me convinced that I love exercise and healthy food and that I don’t overeat. It works!

Lee Ann Phinney

I am 67, and weigh more than I ever have, including when I gave birth almost 38 years ago. I’m not at all happy with the way I look. I’ve probably done every diet plan known to man at some point, but none of them are successful like they were in years past.
The tips in the article are good, but they are not very practical when you live with another person, particularly one you just married 2 years ago, and who is tall, slim and doesn’t have to think about his weight.

Suzanne

I hear you. Same situation. Husband weighs less than me by ten pounds and eats whatever he wants and as much as he wants. I have a torn miniscus so can’t exercise or walk as much as I used to. Depressed and eating and let’s not talk about alcohol. Love my wine and cocktails.

Linda

I can well understand! My husband of 50 years was slim, athletic, and tall. I however, am a voracious reader who went from plump to FAT. I think I have been on EVERY diet ever thought of. After Bariatric Surgery, I am still overweight, but feel better. The best thing my slim spouse and I figured out is that we don’t have to eat alike! I CHOOSE how much I want to eat, this is not a competition or comparison. My plate is smaller, my fork used to be used for pickles, and I find I serve myself by tablespoon fulls. I wish I had found this out 50+ years ago.

Lauren

Have you tried Intermittent fasting . . . it really helped me. I feel great and feel very healthy ever since trying it 3 years ago. Just a thought.

The Author

Julie Dargan (RN, ND, BHSc) has experience assisting women going through hormonal changes and want to live each day with confidence and enthusiasm.

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