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Short-Term Weight Loss or Long-Term Healthy Active Living?
If you’re starting a weight loss journey, it might feel like it’s all about the numbers—the scale, the calories, the steps you count every day. And while keeping track of these things can be important, there’s a much more exciting and fulfilling way to look at changing your lifestyle. In this post, I’m exploring the differences between trying to lose weight for short-term weight loss and living a healthy, active life for long-term weight loss.
What’s the Difference?
Many people think of weight loss as a goal to reach, like hitting a certain number on the scale or fitting into a smaller clothing size. This usually means eating less and moving more with a focus mainly on how we look. But this can sometimes lead to quick changes that don’t last and might not even make us healthier.
On the other hand, healthy active living is about so much more than losing weight. It’s about taking good care of your body, making choices that keep you feeling strong and happy, and doing things that are good for your mind and emotions, too! This way of living helps you feel good for a long time, makes your daily life better AND helps you reach your weight loss goals.
This Change Can Make Your Life AMAZING
Focusing only on weight loss and numbers can be really frustrating. If you don’t see the numbers change on the scale, you might feel like quitting and giving up. It can be like watching a clock tick—it makes you feel stuck. But there’s a better way to approach your health journey!
When you shift your focus to being active and healthy, you start working on something positive every day, no matter what the scale says that day. Think of it as scoring points every time you choose a salad over fries or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every small healthy choice adds up, making you stronger, happier, and more energized.
Focusing on healthy active living isn’t just about avoiding weight loss disappointment; it’s about creating regular, small, personal victories that make you feel really good about yourself. Imagine finishing a long walk and feeling the breeze on your face, or laughing with friends at a dance class. These experiences make your life richer and more joyful, and they happen regardless of what the scale shows.
When you’re active and making healthy choices, you’re taking care of your heart, your muscles, and your mind all at once. You’re not just losing weight—you’re building a happier, healthier you that will feel good today and in the future.
Remember, the scale is only one way to measure progress. The real success is in how you feel: more alive, more active, experiencing joy, and more in tune with what your body needs. These are the changes that truly transform your life and will help you to lose weight at the same time.
Other benefits:
- It Lasts Longer: Changes in your lifestyle stick with you longer than a temporary diet.
- Good for Your Whole Body: Being active helps your heart, muscles, and bones, and even helps your brain to feel better.
- You’ll Feel Better About Yourself: When you pay attention to what your body can do, like walking further, lifting heavier or sleeping better, you start to appreciate it more, which makes you feel good about yourself and your abilities.
- It’s Flexible: Life changes all the time, and, for most people, it’s simply too hard to stick to a strict diet when things get crazy. A healthy lifestyle can change and evolve with your needs.
How Can You Make Healthy Active Living Work for You?
Moving towards a healthy, active lifestyle can start with small steps. Here are some easy tips!
- Pick Fun Activities: Exercise is so much easier when it doesn’t feel like a chore. Find sports or activities you enjoy so you’ll want to keep doing them over a long period of time.
- Eat When You’re Hungry: Instead of counting every calorie, eat foods that make your body feel good and stop eating when you’re feeling full. Enjoy what you eat!
- Don’t Forget to Rest: Resting and getting enough sleep are just as important as being active. They help your body get ready for the next day.
- Find Friends Who Support You: It’s easier to stick with your goals when you have friends or family who support you and maybe even join you in your activities!
Stay Inspired
Remember, everyone’s journey to a healthier life is different! Celebrate your wins big and small, learn from any setbacks, and adjust your plan as you go on. By focusing on being healthy and active, you’re not just losing weight—you’re making your whole life better. Stay inspired by continuing to consume positive weight loss content (like this post!) and keep focused on the big picture.
Choosing to focus on healthy active living rather than just losing weight can seem tough at first, but the benefits are huge! As you start or continue on this path, remember that it’s not just about lowering numbers on the scale—it’s about adding more joy and health to your life. Good luck on your journey!
Check out my YouTube channel, Healthy Habits with Shannon!
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I Loved your poDcast! Very inforMative and importantly – relatable! Thank you for Sharing❤️
Thank you so much for listening!!