In the past few decades there have been a huge influx of diet potions, fad crash diets, miracle pills and health gurus who influenced millions of people (especially women).

Science has in the years since determined that most of these miracle medicines and strict diets did more harm than good. Some people developed severe health complications, addiction and others unfortunately ended in death as a result of misuse, not understanding the risks and pushing the human body beyond its limits.

Why do we live in a culture where, especially women, become victims of these fads?

We live in an era that has been dominated by Hollywood, magazines, and self-help gurus. There is immense peer pressure to “look good”. Unfortunately these magazines, shows and people, set unrealistically high standards with the use of Photoshop, filters and ultimately  starvation (professional models).

We read the magazines where we learn that a certain starlet has been starving herself on a soup diet for weeks for a movie role. We saw the movie, saw that her stomach looked tight and her legs were shapely and strong, and we end up eating soup for weeks. We don’t enjoy the same results because the magazine failed to tell you that she also had a personal trainer, did yoga and pilates and Hollywood corrected her “flaws” before the movie hit our screens.

Unrealistic goals that we as “regular” humans just can’t compete with. That destroys a bit of our self-worth, our “can do” attitude and self-confidence.

This sets unrealistic expectations of what true beauty and health is.

If you are embarking on a weight loss journey to be skinny, just remember, that skinny doesn’t equal health. You can be skinny but still be unhealthy.

What is it that you truly want for your body?

To grow old without many ailments, to be able to play with your children without getting tired or winded? To visit the doctor without worrying about complications? Maybe your idea of what would truly make you happy, is not feeling depressed or anxious? Is it bagging that hunk with the six pack? Think about it…

Things that are important when it comes to a lifestyle change:

• Prepare emotionally for any weight loss program: employ a life coach or a wellness coach to help you on your self-discovery journey who will guide you, motivate you and keep you accountable.
• Set realistic and attainable goals – you likely didn’t get to this point overnight and won’t be able to undo it overnight either
• Keep track of your progress; every cm lost is a win!
• Celebrate your wins; declining a piece of cake, fitting into your favourite pair of jeans again, being able to walk without getting out of breath, shopping in mainstream clothing shops instead of at the plus-size shops or isles, snoring less, sleeping better, improving blood pressure etc.
• You are not defined by the scale
• Remember who you are doing it for – Yourself
• Avoid people, events or media that might break your determination
• Remember that weight loss doesn’t happen overnight.
• It’s a commitment, and you need to stay focussed.

Preparing emotionally

Any significant changes in your routine or life can be traumatic-not just for you but for your family to. Speak to your family about your own health, ask for their input and share your doubts and fears. Let them know that you are doing this so you can improve the person you are, to yourself and to them. If you are walking this road alone, or need additional support, speak to a health coach. Someone who will help you when you are demotivated or negative, someone that will remind you of your purpose and why you started in the first place.

Setting realistic goals

The biggest reason we give up on changing our lives or losing the weight comes from setting goals that we can not reach. When we don’t hit our first weight loss target, we binge and become demotivated. You did not pick up the weight in 4 weeks, so losing it in 4 weeks is an unrealistic goal. Any product on the market that promises that type of result should be avoided. Work with your health coach to determine what you are able to achieve while taking into consideration your budget, your time and your circumstances.

Keep track of your progress

So the scale’s needle didn’t move this week. That does NOT matter…

Did you walk 1000 extra steps per day this week? WIN!

Did you lose cm’s? WIN!

Did you drink more water and eat clean? WIN!!

CELEBRATE the wins because they will all add up in the end!

*Remember who you are doing it for.

Chances are, if you’re trying your best to impress someone or to get revenge… it probably won’t work. If you’re taking on these changes and journeys because you want to live a long and healthy life with your family, LOVE will be the driving force that makes you achieve it.

You are worth all the happiness, love, safety and care in this world.

Self-care, self-love and self-acceptance is extremely important.

Most of our anxieties, our depression and our struggles come from over-thinking, from not valuing ourselves and not seeing our own beauty.

We (www.thehcgdiet.co.za) offer products that have no side-effects or addictive qualities. We offer one-on-one health coaching to help you realise that you are already enough, that you are amazing and that you can achieve your health goals.

We’re not here to build a multi-million business to enrich ourselves, we are here to make a difference, to help others realize how absolutely wonderful and capable they are!

No judgement, no criticism, only pure intentions and real care.

We’re looking forward to hearing from you.