How complicated should living a happy, healthy life be? We all know intuitively that the keys to a better life shouldn’t be very complex. Like Henry David Thoreau said, “Simplify, simplify.”
But that isn’t how most weight loss plans come across, is it?
A recent New York Times article drew attention to the American health system’s infatuation with complexity, specializing in “giant, cumbersome, ruinously expensive fixes” while bypassing simple, inexpensive solutions. We use gallons of expensive hand sanitizers stored in special containers and dispensers instead of cheap, simple bars of soap. We dig through paper bags and read and reread indecipherable prescription drug labels instead of sorting our medication into simple, efficient pillboxes. It’s confusing, counterintuitive, and just plain convoluted. Shouldn’t a healthy lifestyle be a simple lifestyle?
We think so. Weight loss should be celebrated, not complicated. It should be encouraging, not exasperating. It should be rewarding, not nerve-racking. Weight loss should be simple, and we’ve put together a few tips to help you simplify your weight loss journey.
- Find a consistent program, a “one-stop shop,” if you will. The fewer variables in your plan, the simpler it will be, and the simpler your plan is, the more likely it is to succeed.
- Set short-term goals. It’s OK to have a large target number, but start off with something simple. If you’re trying to lose 100 pounds, schedule your weight loss goals in 10-pound increments.
- Trust in God. You have the responsibility to work toward a healthier life, but He has the power to make it happen. Pray for strength, hope, and perseverance and trust Him for help.
See if you can think of a few more ways to simplify your personal weight loss strategy. Are there any steps you can take to save time, money, and confusion as you pursue a vibrant, happy life? Feel free to comment with your tips for making the weight loss journey simpler!