It always seems that people who are trying to get you to lose weight are pushing the healthiest diet and the craziest fads around. It really is amazing! And I sometimes find it reprehensible. There are options available that don’t drive you crazy!

The best way to lose weight is to simply eat less. That’s it. Of course that can be tough, which is why a coach is sometimes necessary. Who else can look at what you eat (and what you like to eat) and come up with a way that you can actually stick to your goals and help you to meet them in a safe and realistic manner? Who else can give you the encouragement you need when you’re not feeling up to it?

Sometimes it’s rough to try and make a go of it on your own. WE all need support networks to help us. And someties that help is as simple as choosing the right options in losing weight. So what options are typically available?

  • There’s the going to the gym and eating very healthy, bang, all at once — that’s tough for most people.
  • There is gradually cutting back on your food, slowly changing your eating habits. How do you know you’re doing it right and still maintaining a decent level of nutrition? Better check, and if in doubt seek some help. And that is often really tough to do on your own.
  • There is ignoring your diet and simply exercising more. This works for some people. And if it works for you, great! If you need help in deciding what will work best for you for exercise, ask around. Ask your friends what is fun, or better yet, ask an expert who can help you choose what fits you best.
  • There are also several combinations of all of the above, and then some… How do you choose?

First off, I’ll say it’s rare that it ever works for anyone to simply buy a book off the shelf and try to follow whatever the style of the day is to lose weight. I’ve seen countless people try that and fail. I’ve never seen anyone succeed from that. I have seen many people get a friend to help them out and get them going, as a pair. I’ve also seen people consult with a fitness trainer, dietitian, or their physician to get them going and keep them on track. Each of these is great! And they all have their advantages. A fitness and health coach is someone who goes beyond the regular trainer, and helps you to make lifestyle choices that will suit you and your goals. Often you can think of this as someone who is as much a life coach as a personal trainer. And that’s what I do!

What would you expect from your personal coach?