Why Losing Weight is so Damn Hard

by Christian Bossert

I have the privilege of watching hundreds of people lose weight. My profession gives me the opportunity to encourage people to prioritize themselves and their health. Watching people lose weight and feel great has been one of the greatest gifts given to me in this life. This leads me to my next point. Why do we live in a country where 70.7% of adults over the age of 20 are obese (37.9%) or overweight (32.8%) (according to the cdc, 2013-2014) http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus15.pdf#053).

If you identify yourself as overweight or obese and are pursuing a goal of healthier you, I hope with all my heart that you KNOW you are not in this alone. I hope you know that there are thousands social support groups that instill people with the confidence and will power to help fulfill the goal of weight loss. Those of you who do have the luxury of a strong support system understand its value. I couldn’t be happier for you because I know this is a key ingredient to achieve long term weight loss success.    

Moving on, I would like to share with you the classic Native American tale about two wolves.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he says to the boy.“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

This tale perfectly illuminates the battle within as we fight to better ourselves in pursuit of a healthier life. Battling sorrow, regret, self-pity, resentment, inferiority, etc. ALONE is a battle we are doomed to lose. We are human beings with emotions and feelings. Who are we to think that we can overcome such powerful emotions and feelings on our own? I am guilty as anyone for attempting to conquer the jaws of life solo. Were brash beings aren’t we.

EVERYONE knows the weight loss equation. Take in less calories than you burn. It’s simple math, but simple often does not mean easy.  This begs the question…Why is weight loss is so damn hard? When we feed the evil wolf we are choosing to starve the good wolf. In my experience, the best action plan to sustain weight loss is identifying your first step. The BEST first step is to have a strong social support network or accountability partner or team. Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up rather than drag you down IS a critically important step. This will replace the negative influences in your life with positive ones. Your life WILL become easier and and your weight loss journey WILL be successful. I believe you can do it. Now is the time for YOU to believe in yourself!

Are you in need of help? Do you need someone to listen to your struggles with weight loss? Visit www.homefront.fitness and talk to Christian.