Weight Loss Myth #14 – Runner’s World Magazine

Myths to be covered – (Topics already covered are in bold)

1. To lose weight cut carbs or fat
2. Exercise in the fat-burning zone
3. Mini-meals are better than three hearty ones
4. Lift less weight with more reps to get toned
5. You can “make up” weekend splurges
6. You have to ban “bad” foods
7. Eating at night causes weight gain
8. Low-fat foods are a healthy choice
9. Weight lifting will only bulk you up
10. Running on empty is a smart way to burn extra fat
11. You can spot reduce fat
12. Longer exercise sessions equal better results
13. You can’t overcome your genes
14. Keeping it off is the easy part

Well coming to a close on the weight loss myths and I like to thank those who responded to this series.

This myth hits home for me. It has been close to 4 years now that I have lost the 70lbs. It is beginning to feel like a lifetime and everyday there are reminders how hard it is to keep the weight off. More on that later. On to the article.

Many people think maintaining the weight loss is easier than losing it in the first place. But a 2008 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine proves you have to be diligent. The researchers discovered that overweight subjects who had slimmed down over two years required an average of minutes of exercise per day just to sustain a loss of 10% or more of their initial body weight. And that was in addition to closely watching what they ate. Those who committed less time to sweating it out or none at all were more likely to be back where they started. “Weight loss is not something that happens and then you’re done with it,” says McMillan. “That’s why quick-fix programs hardly ever work long term.” To stay motivated after you drop pounds, join a running group, sign up for cooking lessons, or splurge on a trainer who can refresh a stale exercise program.

Jim’s comments -

It is amazing that this article finishes this series. It really hits home. When I lost the 70lbs. I thought that would be the proudest moment I would have in this journey, but as it turns out that was just one chapter. I have found out this journey has many chapters and the chapters will continue. Who knew when I went through this physical change there would be a new attitude towards life or the potential of developing my own company? I am looking forward to moving forward of my life and to see how many people I can inspire. Inspire? Yes at first that word felt weird, but now I have come to accept it and I hope to start more people in their journey in the years to come.

So is hard to keep the weight off, the answer is YES! Everyday there is a challenge to meet. I will always be at the mercy of food. It will be my battle for the rest of my life. It helps that I am a triathlete and training for an Ironman. This allows me to eat really as much as I want, but I still have to watch it.

My journey with weight will never end, simple as that. If you choose the same path your journey will never end. It is just a fact of life. If you strive to live a fitter and healthier lifestyle you will be amazed on how fulfilled your life will become and you will begin to inspire others. How do I know? I live it everyday!

Until next time your Fitness Buddy…