MANILA, Philippines – Why are there lots of stories about people who are sick and tired of attempting to lose weight again?

Maybe it’s because they’ve been disappointed after gaining all the weight back, after all the time, money and effort, or because they still feel incomplete despite their accomplishments.

Learn how to get over your failures and control your life. Here are reasons you can’t move on and the effective strategies to take the initial step again.

Overexerting weight-loss efforts

I’ve heard this from people struggling to lose weight all over again: “I just can’t imagine myself doing the same amount of workout I did to lose 20 pounds. I don’t want to overstress myself anymore.”

This thought may only stem from having a rigid attitude, which is to do things all over again perfectly for fast results. You must face the truth that it’s a different weight-loss story now. You might be more stressed at this moment compared to before and that’s why you can’t exercise that much.

You might have done too much exercise in your initial attempt when your motivation was strong enough to do everything it takes to lose weight.

This scenario is very common among gym rats who have more than enough time to work out and with access to all exercise facilities. Once weight loss is achieved, they slack off, stop the exercise routines and overeat because of burnout and stress.

Long-term approach

Try a long-term and lifestyle approach to weight loss by choosing activities you really enjoy, even if you are just maintaining your weight.

Overexertion also means too much dieting and depriving yourself of favorite foods, so that you go back to the same eating behavior after losing great weight. Do not deprive yourself. Eat foods that are healthy but tasty.

Familiarity with and burnout in one’s environment can also result from your initial weight-loss attempt. It may help to change your exercise environment by visiting other health clubs, trying different classes and group exercise instructors.
Or you can switch to a more specialized exercise environment that suits your interest—boxing gym, Pilates studio, yoga center or dance studio.

Unfulfilled expectations

There are still many people who find it hard to restart the basic weight-loss process even though they are already educated on the basics of weight loss, on how many calories to eat and burn, on how to stay assertive during high-risk social functions and on how to manage cravings.

You might find it hard to lose weight again because your previous weight loss didn’t meet your ultimate expectation, which is to be happy. So you stop your physical activities and just try to seek comfort in eating.

You can’t find real happiness by losing your extra 10 pounds. According to American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, happiness is a condition that must be prepared for and cultivated by each person, and is characterized by mastery, sense of control, skill development, challenge, and complexity. This means you must decide on what really makes you happy, then do what’s necessary to achieve it.

Happiness is not just about weight loss: It is how you live your life, how you find balance in your day-to-day activities, and how you feel about yourself at the end of the day.

You can be the best employee at work but if you can’t find even an hour each week to relish your success with your loved ones, or even do something worthwhile for yourself like watching a movie, you’re not happy.

Reassess and focus

Reassess your life by focusing on three major areas: Work, relationships, and self-care. Doctor Gerard Musante, a weight-loss expert, believes that achieving balance in life will give you more satisfaction and meaning.

Explore numerous activities, depending on your interests and abilities. Life is not just about lessening food intake and burning calories. Because when you feel your life is complete, other things like weight loss will be a lot easier to achieve.

The following are possible activities for a well-balanced recreation program which also takes your mind off food as comfort.

Social interaction

Spend time at least each week with your family and friends.
Invite your friends at home and socialize.
Seek a new group of friends.
Attend meetings in your community.

Creative expression

Try to cook low-fat and tasty meals.
Engage in photography.
Write stories or poetry.
Play musical instruments.

Physical exercise

Take some walks in the morning or after dinner.
Choose a sport and start training.
Clean you house.
Join dance classes.

Spectator appreciation

Watch concerts or stage plays.
Relax and see a movie.
Travel and go sightseeing.
Watch athletic events.

Intellectual stimulation

Read newspapers and magazines.
Attend lectures and conventions.
Watch documentaries.
Visit art museums.

Solitary relaxation

Listen to music.
Take a nap.
Go to a sauna or soak in a relaxing bath.
Pray and meditate.

Email the author at mitchfelipe@gmail.com.