News Flash: There is no magic pill - it's called hard work!

CoryIda
CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
People around me keep asking how I've been losing weight so consistently over the past couple of months and there is no secret formula, no magic pill... it's called eating healthy foods (fruits, veggies, lean proteins, complex carbs), drinking lots of water, and exercising almost every day.
It's not rocket science. I don't want to knock people who are on specific weightloss programs, but I do have to wonder if you have considered what will happen when you go off those programs, especially the ones where you have to eat the foods provided by that program? At what point do you decide to make your own healthy choices, prepare your own nutritious foods, and get your body moving?
I spent the past several years sitting on my butt all day every day, eating chips and candy and junk and drinking soda and coffee with tons of creamer and wondering why I felt so crappy. Well, now I know. I felt like crap because I was treating my body like crap.
Now that I take care of my body, I feel great. Amazing. Who would have thought?
I still have over 60 pounds to lose because I chose to make unhealthy choices for so long, but I already feel great because I take care of myself now. I exercise almost every day. I drink plenty of water. I eat lots of fruits and veggies, complex carbs, and have increased my protein intake dramatically (I used to eat very little protein, mostly just lots and lots of bread). I also cut down on my sodium.
You remember the food pyramid from grade school? Yep, it pretty much sums it up - eat a variety of nutritious foods to provide your body with the fuel it needs to function properly and, guess what? You will be healthier! Add in a minimum of 30 minutes of activity each day and you'll be even healthier!
I don't want to offend anyone, just had to get that off my chest.

Replies

  • littlemamajamie
    littlemamajamie Posts: 118 Member
    I know exactly how you feel! Everyone wants a magic pill.....even some of the people I'm closest too that see what I'm doing everyday think I'm doing it the hard way and there has to be an easier one. Its really frustrating but I just remember that I used to be like that too and one day I decided I was ready and started. I've also learned that even if people aren't saying it a lot of them are being inspired to do something too.....even if its a different way. Its good to vent and get it off your chest. Your doing awesome keep it up!
  • Egger29
    Egger29 Posts: 14,741 Member
    Awesome post! I've often told clients in their initial consultation: "People don't become out of shape overnight!

    You don't go to bed an Olympian and wake up a Biggest Loser contestant. It happens from days, months and years of poor choices and personal habits that lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Everything is a result of the choices you've made in the past that lead you to where you are now.

    The best thing is, you make different choices for the future and you can do anything you want to do. Just have to put in the effort and the work!

    Kudos to you for making the choices and changes! :-)
  • MartiWillett
    MartiWillett Posts: 103 Member
    let me give you an AMEN! I'm tired of people who think they can cheat and lose the weight. It might work for a bit but it always backfires!
  • Naomi91
    Naomi91 Posts: 892 Member
    I think most people know that it isnt a magic pill, but some really do help

    I have been taking a fat burner and watching my body fat % go down so that I can be lean and mean for rugby in the spring

    So I wouldnt completely bash the pills xD they do really work wonders with lower cals and a lot of cardio. Making it easierfor me to lose and tone since I am below 130

    One thing I definately agree with: I HATE the idea of fad diets. I am a dietetics major and absolutely despise those diets hehe
    Its not bout fat loss right! We wanna feel good and be HEALTHY. No just small waists, but less chance of getting cancers, heart problems, and other things of the sort!
  • mem50
    mem50 Posts: 1,384 Member
    Too Right!!!! I've been asked the same. How? Eating right, exercise, not giving in to the BLT's. Oh don't forget the thing that has helped me lots. All of my new friends here at MFP.

    I did not like the idea of eating the Pre-made meals. #1 they are kinda pricey. #2 They don't, in my eyes, help you train yourself to eat right. Well, maybe not training but a re-wiring of the brain to make healthier choices. Don't get me wrong......I'm still a "work in progress"!!!!!!!:bigsmile:
  • rai8759
    rai8759 Posts: 296 Member
    Word up! I always hear people saying.. I just need liposuction or I'm going to get this weight loss drug or that one. Don't they know that you can still put fat back on your body after liposuction?? So you'll gain that fat back AND have nasty scars. Weight loss drugs?? Its only a quick fix.. I think people who use them temporarily while they are trying to change their habits are fine, but there just isn't a quick fix that will last.

    A girl at work asked me how much weight I had lost on mfp.. some people think that is rude, but it doesn't bother me that much. At the time it had been 5 lbs... Do you know what she said?!! "Only 5lbs? You've been doing that for a month and you've only lost 5 lbs??"

    I almost laughed right in her face!! I told her quickly (instead) that is a HEALTHY rate of weight loss, and that is what I'm looking for. I set my own calories and goals to loose 1 lb a week. She will NEVER reach her goals with an attitude like that, and when I reach mine I'm sure she'll be asking me what my secret was... sheesh
  • prettier_me
    prettier_me Posts: 53 Member
    great post! i agree that we need to be healthy and as long as we're treating our bodies right, they'll function better and we'll feel better about ourselves! it's totally better than eating oreos and sitting on the couch all day :P
  • gatorflyer
    gatorflyer Posts: 536 Member
    You really hit the nail on the head there. Let me add a little bit more to it. I'm getting ready to take a trip out of the country to see family that I have not seen in 4 years. It's the holidays, so all of the typical holiday festivities abound, including foods that are not good for you. While no one knows I've lost over 30 pounds (hope to be close to 40 by the time I leave), it doesn't really matter, because no matter how many times I tell them that I need to eat what I consider to be healthy, they will either get their feelings hurt or force the issue. My point is this. There is no magic pill, it really is very hard work, and there will be many stumbling blocks along the way. The last thing we need is for friends and family to derail us on our journey. We really have to use our new found feelings of empowerment and strength to be strong when people either deliberately or unintentionally derail us. Keep strong!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories