8 Excuses that Hinder Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight, excuses run the gamut - from not having enough time or energy to being genetically doomed to a permanent supply of flab. For pretty much every excuse however, there is a counterargument. That counterargument is that most people can do something about their weight if they stop making excuses and start taking action.

If you could stand to lose a few pounds - regardless of your circumstances - it is critical that you avoid making any of the excuses that people commonly use to avoid taking control of their weight. Eliminate the following excuses entirely from your vocabulary:

Excuse #1: "At my age, it's pointless to worry about weight loss."

According to AARP.org, losing as little as 10% of your total body weight can improve your health and may even add years to your life. This appears to be the case regardless of one's age. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that many of the health issues often associated with aging can be avoided by taking preventive measures such as exercising and eating healthy.

Excuse #2: "With my busy schedule, I simply don't have the time or energy to focus on exercising."

When the demands of work, parenting and other responsibilities seem to take over your life, it's quite tempting to give up on exercise altogether. You may feel overwhelmed and fatigued, among other things. However, as little as a few minutes of exercise each day can actually give you the boost of energy that you need in order to take care of your responsibilities (Stibich, 2009). With the right mindset, you can fight fatigue and win the battle of the bulge at the same time!

Excuse #3: "If God wanted me to be skinny, He would've made me that way."

This is the excuse of all excuses, but it is an irrational one at best. Even if you came into this world with "baby fat" that never quite went away, there is a strong likelihood that you can shed a few pounds by making wiser choices. God did not create unhealthy snacks or fast food restaurants. You have the ability to take control of your life and your health. The first step is to acknowledge that power. The second step is to put it to good use.

Excuse #4: "Healthy foods cost too much."

On the one hand, fruits, vegetables and lean meats can be a bit costly at the supermarket. On the other, treating health conditions brought on by unhealthy eating can be even more costly. The choice is yours to make. Don't let the issue of money interfere with your health. Being able to afford healthy foods may simply be a matter of cutting back on other items such as alcohol, cigarettes and processed foods.

Excuse #5: "I cannot afford a membership at my local fitness center."

Although a membership at a state-of-the-art fitness center is ideal for some people, you do not have to belong to a fitness center in order to get into shape. The important thing here is to get moving and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, as this will help you burn calories. You can purchase a pedometer and gradually work your way up to the recommended 10,000 steps per day by doing simple activities such as walking your dog, window shopping at the mall, utilizing the stairs, walking laps around your house or even walking in place! According to The Walking Site, you should put your pedometer on first thing in the morning and wear it all day until bedtime, then record your daily steps and monitor your progress over time.

Excuse #6: "My man likes me fat."

Whether your mate likes you fat or skinny is irrelevant when it comes to your health. Their "type" may not be what is best for you. Your mate should care more about your health and well-being than whether or not you fit their ideal physical type. And even if it's a case of your mate loving you just the way you are - which is great - they should still be supportive of your weight loss goals.

Excuse #7: "Everybody in my family is big; I must have the fat gene."

While genetics have been found to play a role in weight gain for some people, one study of the Amish has revealed that even when a person's genetic makeup predisposes them to weight gain, exercise can over time block the effects of such genes (USA Today, 2008). Clearly the Amish get more exercise that the average person, but there is something that can be learned from these findings, and that is that regardless of your family history, you do have some control over your weight.

Excuse #8: "I'll diet after the holidays."

As easy as it is to postpone weight loss until after the holidays, this is not a good idea. If you are already carrying excess weight, deciding to focus on weight loss after the holidays is likely to result in your gaining even more weight as you indulge in traditional holiday meals that often consist of very rich and fattening foods. Rather than planning to "diet" after the fact , why not make a few practical changes during the holidays, such as giving up one really rich food item that you would normally eat (i.e. macaroni and cheese or dessert), refusing to go back for seconds and engaging in some form of physical activity after finishing your holiday meal, such as taking a walk or playing games with your children or grandchildren? Not only will you still be able to enjoy your holiday - you'll also be able to have a clear conscience when the festivities are over and everyone else is talking about how much weight they need to lose!

Sources:

AARP.org (2006). Weigh Less, Live Longer: Strategies for successful weight loss.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2008). Healthy Aging for Older Adults.

Stibich, M. (2009). Exercise Increase Energy and Fights Fatigue. About.com: Longevity.

USA Today (2008). Got a Fat Gene? Get Active for 3-4 Hours a Day.

The Walking Site (2009). 10,000 Steps a Day.