As an experienced life coach and personal trainer in the fitness industry, I have noticed a
very definite pattern to weight gain in women. For a large proportion of women, the
relationship they have with food is passed on from their Mothers and learned from the
choices that they make as young girls. Many women these days fall into 5 classic traps of
weight gain.
5 Biggest Lifestyle Mistakes....
Drinking too much
Smoking
Comfort Eating
Lack of hobbies/activities outside the home
Letting guilt get the better of you
Drinking too much
It is a well known fact, that in today's society most women, young and old, are consuming
far too much alcohol and smoking way too much To such an extent that the Rutland Centre
(addiction centre) is now dealing with twice as many women as men - a complete role
reversal for the genders in the last 10 years.
Most women will tell you the pressures of modern day living has led them to having
increased stress which results in women drinking more and more. This is unhealthy for a
variety if reasons, not least the fact that alcoholic drinks inject a huge amount of the calorie
excess into a woman's diet. On average, a bottle of wine contains 1,000 calories. Many
women drink more then that in a week and in some cases add a couple of takeaway
dinners to it - I'll let you do the maths!
Smoking
Its well documented that women start smoking at a much younger age these days. This is
because they are using tobacco as both a stress release and believe it is a way of
controlling their weight. I believe the weight myth is the number one reason why teenage
girls turn to smoking and are much more likely to do so then their male counterparts.
The truth is there is nothing to be gained by smoking except bad heath.
Comfort Eating
Where did it begin and where will it end? Nine times oust of ten the comfort eating habit is
passed on to us by our parents. Forcing kids to eat all on their plate. Providing a sweet
thing as comfort to the the teary eye. How often do you say to yourself I'm upset...I'll
comfort myself with my favourite forbidden food. Whether the husband/boyfriend/partner
lets you down or you're just feeling low the reaction is ... dial a takeaway or head to the
nearest cookie jar and munch away our upset. I have heard so many girls blame their
weight gain on their husbands or partners. Or, justifying their lack of control by blaming
their kids... I need to have the goodies in the press for the children.
Lack of interests/hobbies/activities
Women have adopted a role in society, both driven by media and male chauvinism, that
despite, so called equal rights, they are expected to come through the hall door after a day
of working and commuting and immediately don the hat of mother, housekeeper, cleaner,
schedule organiser and cook.
Ever wondered why there are more men in the golf clubs, etc? He doesn't think twice
about having a hobby or an interest outside of his marriage or relationship. But not for us
girls...the majority of us believe that we must answer to everyone but ourselves. Nine
times out of ten, you will find that it's the working Mom who is collecting the kids from
school on her way back from work, or dropping them off on the way to work. With all this
to'ing and fro'ing how can we ever have a minute to get out and spend some quality time
with ourselves.
Giving in to guilt
This goes back to comfort eating but guilt and wanting to make ourselves feel better are a
major factor in putting on weight. Guilt is everywhere, whether its feeling bad for leaving
the baby when we go out to work or feeling bad for having lost it at the kids. It is amazing
how few of us have developed the skill to say NO and stick to it. We're full of guilt if we had
to refuse our kids something, the solution to feeling rotten? Open the bottle of wine and
order takeaway...Recognise this anyone???
If you recognise any of yourself in any the above , don't despair girls - help is at hand!
My personal training,personal trainer and life-coaching solutions at www.womenontherun.ie can go a long
way in resolving these lifestyle ruts we find ourselves in.
Whether it's on-line, a house visit, a boot-camp course or a lifestyle plan - I can help.
Here are 5 ways to take charge of your weight again!
Get Motivated
Draw up an eating plan
Draw up and exercise plan
Keep a Diary
Let others in
Get Motivated
Once you've decided to change your life for the better its time to get down to business. Tell
everyone in your circle, friends and family, that you intend to make some changes in your
life and ask for their support. Call your drinking buddies and tell them you won't be around
for the usual weekly binge session for a while. Also watch your slim friends and family -
observe how they eat and learn from them.
Draw up and eating plan
When your feeling motivated, get a pen and paper and make up a 2 week plan. Decide on
a reasonable target and list the changed you want to make within the fortnight. Don't do
this on a day you're feeling down or under pressure. Make out an eating plan for the 2
weeks and write a shopping list as you make out your plan. Shopping on-line is a great
way to avoid impulse buying and veering off course.
Draw up an exercise plan
Draw up a schedule that allows you to take regular exercise at least five times a week with
as much variety as you can muster up. Its good to get professional help with this so you
don't attempt to reach unrealistic goals. The beauty of attending my personal training,personal trainer
service is that there is no joining fee. You can come once or purchase a bundle of
sessions which you can use at a time and day that suits your schedule. Plus you are not
tied into a monthly direct debit for a gym or a class that you are most likely not to attend.
You should also build resistance training into your exercise plan. Many women are afraid
of lifting weights as they think they'll end up looking like a body builder. This is a complete
misconception. Resistance training is essential for weight loss - in fact, weight training will
give you up to 4 hours of a metabolism boost!
Keep a Diary
A diary is a great way of keeping track on your weak points and the pitfalls in your quest to loose weight. Jot down everything you eat (don't lie to yourself!) and observe the triggers of comfort eating and how your take control of your hunger. This will help you to recognise the difference between emotional eating and real hunger. A diary, noting your achievements can also be a great way of keeping momentum going!
Let people in
Whether they like to admit it or not, everyone knows your health and quality of life are heavily influenced by your weight. Try and bring people with you on your journey to weight loss - you'll get a kick out of motivating others. Its also crucial to make time for your partner. Make sure that he/she makes you feel special at least once a week and if your extra weight has left you less keen on romance in the past - make sure you start to introduce it again as the weight falls off! Whatever you do - Get out of those horrendous track suits! Make the effort and dress up unexpectedly, for your partner. Most importantly, keep your goal in the foremost of your mind and don't allow other people's agendas and priorities become yours. Life is very short - don't shorten it more by making the wrong lifestyle choices. Change is good - learn to embrace it. Feel the fear and do it anyway! Earn respect from others around you by sticking to your guns. BE positive!
If you need help, I'm just a click away at www.womenontherun.ie. You can e-mail to cathsoraghan@hotmail.com or just call me 086 875 8744. Free consultations are available by appointment. Young and old are more than welcome... Family plans can be prescribed and payment package plans are also available.
