Just like every individual is unique, so are our mental and physical selves- and, consequently, our weight management goals should be unique as well!
By now, it’s well-known that biology, environment and behavior all contribute in their own special ways to affect our weight and our ability to manage it. However, those factors look different for each person. Our unique family history, cultural background and ways of living combine to shape our experiences – and as a result, our weight and health are byproducts of those circumstances. That’s why it’s so important to tailor YOUR journey with weight and health in a way that suits your particular needs!
Tailoring Your Weight Management = Making the MOST Out of Your Journey!
By customizing your own weight management plan, you can maximize your weight and health and make the very best out of your journey. Here are a few things to consider when crafting your own unique plan:
Determine Your Health Status
Before beginning any kind of weight management plan, it’s important to assess the current status of your health. Are you experiencing any weight-related symptoms such as high blood pressure, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, joint point or trouble moving? Are you at risk for certain conditions? Exploring your health in-depth will help you determine what areas you should aim to improve upon and how you should go about doing it.
Consult Your Doctor
As an extension to the above point, consulting your doctor is a more thorough way to determine your health status and assess what areas of your health you should work on. A visit to your doctor also gives you the advantage of checking your vitals, getting your lab work done, and asking questions about your health that you alone are unable to answer.
For more information about having the conversation about weight and health with your doctor, CLICK HERE.
Assess Your Current Fitness Level
Exercise is an essential component to any weight management plan, but not all exercise routines work for everybody! Some individuals may need to start slow and begin working on their mobility, while others may want to start with more advanced cardio and strength training exercises. By assessing your current fitness level, you’ll know where to begin with exercise and how/when you should progress.
Do a Self-reflection
Our unconscious thoughts and behaviors also play a significant role in shaping our weight and health. By taking the time to do an introspective exercise with yourself, you might notice how your emotional state, nutrition habits and social circles all affect your ability to manage your weight. After your self-reflection, begin to analyze and assess what areas of yourself and your life may need to change in order to find sustainable progress on your journey.
Look at Your Schedule
Everyone’s schedules and life demands are different, so it’s important to know what you have time for. If you’re schedule is fairly open and you have time to put in hours at the gym or do extensive grocery shopping, that’s fantastic! However, others with tighter schedules may need to adopt different strategies for managing their weight and overall health.
What works for somebody may not always work for someone else, and that’s okay! Our bodies, experiences and lifestyles are all unique – and our weight management goals and strategies should be just as individualized. It’s a journey YOU are taking: no one else can do it for you!
