I think I can

Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you're right.

~Henry Ford

Weight gain has become epidemic worldwide. But is it really because we are overfed and under-active? 

A recurring thought I had as I lugged my luggage around several European, mostly Scandinavian, cities was:

"Imagine how draining it would be to lug around an extra twenty or thirty pounds everywhere you went - not to mention the wear and tear!" 

In my travels I got to know several people who are far more accomplished than I, in many aspects of life, but try as they may can not lose weight. In fact, all were working out a whole lot more than I, and eating less. Willpower was not the issue. 

A recurring theme became apparent though. Listening carefully, it was clear that subconsciously, when it came to weight, these people were programmed to maintain status quo. For many the onset of weight gain started with a health issue - a prognosis - a pill. Their beliefs about health, and their self-talk, were interfering with their ability to lose the weight sustainably. Of course, without hesitation I answered all of their questions about diet and exercise, while sadly realizing that we were not addressing the real underlying cause.

Undoubtedly, a change to a healthier diet, and more, or different exercise, will yield short term results, but are insufficient to create the context where sustainable weight loss is possible. Achieving weight loss goals requires a mind body state coherent with beliefs that support making healthy lifestyle choices effortless.

Our beliefs coauthor our biology. Weight gain is not a genetic sentence. Our genes have not changed in 10,000 years, yet we have an obesity epidemic. Self-limiting talk like "I can't lose the weight. It runs in my family." is not conducive to producing the chemistry that supports healthy weight. I posit, based on my experience, that we are over diagnosed and over medicated - prescription or other.

We are programmed to seek substances and/or experiences that numb pain, create euphoria, promote relaxation in times of stress. Until we realize that the body comes equipped with the ability to generate this chemistry within naturally, given the right circumstances, we continue to crave external sources to satiate these needs. Sadly, these external sources often promote weight gain. Look no further than the need for a drink to relax and unwind after a hard day's work; rewarding a workout with a donut; late night partying interfering with healthy sleep.

According to neuropsychologist, Mario Martinez, behaviours of excess are a reflection of a poor sense of self-worth. Responsibility without authority, and work without meaning, are two of the greatest contributing factors to self-sabotaging behaviour - a blog for another day.

For now, dare to question the "experts" who sentence you to sickness for life. Find a picture of yourself looking youthful and energetic. Look at it throughout the day. Think about how you felt, what you heard and how you saw yourself then. Embody that experience. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. 

What you believe you can achieve. Say "I think I can."

I know you can.