All the support in the world isn't going to help an overweight person lose weight until the person is ready. They must be willing to commit to long term lifestyle change.
Diet readiness is a time when an overweight person is ready and willing to do what it takes to lose weight. Family and friends may have good intention when they mention diets and weight loss plans, but often such suggestions leave the overweight person feeling depressed and they end up binge eating to bury the feelings. Only the overweight person can decide when he or she is ready to make the necessary lifestyle changes to lose weight and maintain their weight loss.
An overweight person has to hit rock bottom and become so disgusted with their weight, the way their clothes fit and their mirage image before they are truly ready for change.
Wanting to lose weight and diet readiness are not the same. Wanting to lose weight without having the commitment, drive and motivation will not get results. Will power may help the overweight person get through the first few days of a new diet, but it won’t last for long-term weight loss results.
Analyze past attempts at weight loss. What weight loss programs were used and what were the results? What was the activity level and what was the attitude about the diet like? By focusing on the positive and setting realistic weight loss goals, you will avoid diet failure.
How Do You Know if You Are Ready to Diet?
- You’ve tried many fad diets and gained weight after quitting each diet.
- You eat because you are hungry, not for emotional reasons.
- You are willing to lose weight slowly and safely.
- You are willing to adopt a healthy lifestyle plan.
- You are willing to commit to daily exercise.
- You are fed up with being overweight and are willing to do what it takes to lose weight.
- You have a vision for your weight loss goals.
- You have a realistic weight loss goal in terms of pounds and clothing size.
How Do You Know if You are Not Ready to Diet?
- You think about food all the time.
- You dream about your favorite foods while attempting the latest fad diet.
- You are still looking for a miracle weight loss cure.
- You expect fast weight loss results.
- You repeatedly take part in “one last meal” before starting the next fad diet.
- You celebrate with food.
- You use food as an emotional crutch.
- You feel deprived when you are on a restrictive diet.
How to Help an Overweight Person Reach the Point of Diet Readiness
- Suggest doing a physical activity instead of eating together.
- Model healthy eating habits and exercise.
- Provide support as needed without being pushy.
- Don’t overreact or pick on them when they make a poor choice.
- Share inspiring and motivational success stories.
- Diet readiness is a personal thing and you should let it happen naturally.
- Discourage fad diets that promise unrealistic weight loss results.
