In the perpetual battle to lose excess weight and embrace a healthier lifestyle, it’s all too common to encounter a litany of excuses. From “I’ll start tomorrow” to “I’m too busy right now,” these justifications often hinder individuals and their goals. But what lies beneath these excuses, and how can we confront them head-on?
“I’ll Start Tomorrow”: Procrastination Nation
“I can’t think about that right now. If I do, I’ll go crazy. I’ll think about it tomorrow,” Scarlett O’Hara. I always think about those lines when I listen to potential clients rattle off every excuse in the book as to why they are not quite ready to lose their excess weight.
I know all about finding excuses. I was a master at the game of procrastination and worked on changing that for years. I cannot remember how often I said, “I will start Monday,” or “This isn’t a good time; too many plans are coming up.” Now, I can enjoy food with the 80/20 rule, and my weight stays where I feel most comfortable. I can grab anything from my closet; it fits, looks great, and feels comfortable.
Ah, the classic “tomorrow” trap. It’s tempting to push off healthy habits to a future date, but tomorrow has a sneaky way of turning into next week, month, or year. The idea that somehow we will suddenly conquer all our hesitations on Monday is unreasonable. This thinking motivates us to “pig out” all weekend over and over again. We aren’t Scarlett O’Hara, and this isn’t a blockbuster movie.
Addressing this excuse requires a shift in mindset. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, seize the opportunity to take small, manageable steps today. Whether swapping out soda for water or adding vegetables to your plate, every choice counts.
“I’m Too Busy”: Time Management Tango
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness. But prioritizing health doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire schedule. Planning time to go grocery shopping, packing a lunch, or having easy dinners ready can make a huge difference. We are a convenience culture. We skip lunch because we are “too busy working.” We are stressed, starving, and tired, so eating out, grabbing fast food, and ordering in all contribute to meals that aren’t the best choice if eating healthier and releasing weight is your goal.
Making time for YOU is vital to live a healthy life. Self-care is essential for reducing stress and, more importantly, experiencing those moments of joy. What makes you joyful? Time in nature, time with family, reading a good book, going for a pedicure or massage, or hopping in the car for a spontaneous one-day adventure.
How about exercise? Let’s call it Movement instead. We encourage and inspire our clients to practice the magic of the minimum if they haven’t been moving. Start by carving out small pockets of time for physical activity, even if it’s just a ten-minute walk during your lunch break or a quick yoga session before bed. You can gradually integrate Movement into your daily routine by reframing Movement as an essential part of self-care.
“It’s Too Expensive”: Budget-Friendly Solutions
The misconception that eating healthy is synonymous with breaking the bank is a persistent myth. Our clients save money on our program, and you will, too, if you shop smarter and consider portion control. Take a shopping list with you and shop around the grocery store’s perimeter. You will find your fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean proteins here.
Start by following the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time, focus on filling your plate with colors and crowding out the French fries, pasta, fried foods, etc. Vegetables have so many beautiful colors; eat them abundantly. Keep your lean protein to 5 ounces at lunch and dinner. Avoid bread, fats, sugar, and alcohol if your goal is weight release. If weight release is your primary goal, hold off on the 20% until you reach your ideal healthy weight.
While organic produce and fancy superfoods certainly have their place, plenty of affordable options are available. One rule we use for organic is, if you eat the outside, look for organic. Oranges, lemons, and avocados are examples of items we do not eat the outside, and organic isn’t necessary. Berries, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., are examples of foods that we attempt to buy organic, but only sometimes. Consider buying seasonal fruits and vegetables, purchasing staples like beans and grains in bulk, and exploring budget-friendly recipes that prioritize simple, wholesome ingredients.
“I Don’t Have Support”: Finding Your Cheerleaders
At Maynestreet, our clients have daily support from a real person. You work with the same person throughout your 6-month program. It makes a difference. You can put together your cheerleading team. It’s important to remember that wanting support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are committed to making positive changes and want to shout to the world that, I WILL DO THIS.
Embarking on a journey toward better health can feel daunting, especially without a support system. But you don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to friends, family members, or online communities who share your goals and can offer encouragement. Whether it’s a workout buddy to keep you accountable or a virtual support group for sharing tips and triumphs, surrounding yourself with positivity can make all the difference.
Let people know that you are working on releasing weight and getting healthy. Watch out for those saboteurs; they can turn up in the most unlikely people. People who aren’t paying attention to their weight or health will sometimes unwittingly push their frustration on others who they see are actually “doing it.” Lead by example; others may follow. Stay the course and spend time with those that are supporting you.
“I’ve Tried Before and Failed”: Embracing Resilience
Perhaps the most insidious excuse of all is the fear of failure. But setbacks are a natural part of any transformative journey. We make fundamental, lasting changes by two steps forward and one step back. Instead of viewing past attempts as defeats, reframe them as valuable learning experiences. Identify what worked well and what didn’t, then adjust your approach accordingly. Remember, success isn’t measured by perfection but by perseverance.
Fear of failure affects all of us at one time or another in our journey to take our weight off and keep it off. You can conquer this by taking baby steps and having success. Success will grow your confidence and motivation. You CAN do it. Focus on non-scale victories such as your clothes fitting better, deeper sleep, fewer aches and pains, and overall feeling GREAT. If you slip up, so what? Get right back to your healthy eating. Download my article “Strategies for Overcoming Negative Self Talk While Losing Weight.”
In conclusion, while excuses may temporarily derail our efforts to adopt healthier habits, they need not define our journey. Acknowledging these barriers and working to overcome them can pave the way toward a brighter, healthier future. So, let’s bid farewell to excuses and embrace the opportunity to prioritize our well-being today.
Take the opportunity to start NOW. We are here if you want structure, daily support, and accountability.
DISCLAIMERS The Client understands that the role of the Maynestreet program is solely for weight loss, not to prescribe or assess specific meal plans; provide healthcare, medical, or nutrition therapy services; or diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, condition, or other physical or mental ailment of the human body.
The Client acknowledges that, if under the care of healthcare professionals, the Client should discuss any dietary changes with those professionals. If the Client currently uses prescription medications, the Client should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting the Client’s prescribing healthcare provider.
