You’re Doing Everything Right, But the Scale Won’t Budge (Part II)

hero image
18 Apr 2013
Mental Health

In Part 1, we discussed the main issues that hold people back from losing weight.  Here, we talk about self-acceptance when a person really reaches a dead-end in his or her weight loss journey,

ReflectionIt’s always wise to make every attempt to be healthy. But we also must be accepting of what we have, and that applies whether we have reach the end of our weight-loss journey or not.

A recent article by Ellen Goldman M.Ed. caught my attention in which she emphasizes that humans have been concerned with appearance and physical attractiveness throughout history. However, as of late, it seems as if normal concerns have morphed into obsession.  The media portrays thin and attractive individuals as wealthier, happier, more successful and carefree than those who are not. And, unfortunately, the way that we perceive our bodies is largely influenced by our perception of how we stack up against those media ideals, as well as against our peers.

Poor body image not only decreases general life satisfaction and happiness, but it can also be potentially deadly if it spurs severe eating disorders or steroid use. Making a targeted effort to improve body image for ourselves and loved ones is a smart, even life-altering, thing to do.  But how?

Goldman suggests the following tips to boost your body image:

The road to a healthy body image can be a long one, especially if you have been struggling with poor body image for years. However, by taking deliberate steps to stop the toxic negative self-talk, it is entirely possible to be content—even happy!—with the way you look, at any size.

By surrounding yourself with positive thoughts, friends, and images, you’ll be one step closer on the road to body bliss.

To sum up, we must make sure we are doing everything we are supposed to do in order to lose weight.  Watch the portion distortion, and make sure your exercise program includes both aerobic and muscle building exercise.  Sleep, water consumption and managing your stress properly are also integral to successful weight loss.  Don’t do things that are radical and harmful to your health in order to lose weight—they will only backfire.  And at the end of the day, weight loss is not the only factor in your health.  Come to terms with your image!  

 

Where health and Torah meet: Join us for the 5th International Jewish Medical Ethics Conference and see what the fuss is about: “It was the most exciting learning experience that I have ever attended.” “There wasn’t a person whom I spoke to who didn’t rave about every aspect of the programming.” Reserve your spot today.

 


image

Alan Freishtat is an A.C.E. CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER and a BEHAVIORAL CHANGE and WELLNESS COACH with over 19 years of professional experience. Alan is the creator and director of the “10 Weeks to Health” program for weight loss. He is available for private coaching sessions, consultations, assessments and personalized workout programs both in his office and by telephone and skype. Alan also lectures and gives seminars and workshops. He can be reached at 02-651-8502 or 050-555-7175, or by email at alan@alanfitness.com Check out the his web site –www.alanfitness.com US Line: 516-568-5027.

The words of this author reflect his/her own opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Orthodox Union.