Why Is Weight Loss Hard Sometimes?

Weight loss is simple in theory and it is not always easy in practice.

If anyone ever tells you that your being obese is an ‘easy choice’, or shames you about it any way, forward them this post and my cellphone number: 917-880-1469.

Let’s break it down as follows:

1. The Big Picture 🖼️

2. Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

3. [Graphic] The Foresight Project Obesity Map 🗺️

4. Possible Action Steps 🎯

5. Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

The Big Picture 🖼️

In 2000, when I was 21, I was 60 pounds heavier than I am now, and in very poor physical, mental, & emotional shape.

In 2018, shortly after I first began as a nutrition coach, I wanted to better understand: what were the reasons I ended up in such a state?

Was it just diet?

I knew there was more to it than just food, so I mapped out my health journey across several key categories over time.

I reflected on: Nutrition, Exercise, Spirituality, Career, Creativity, Finance, Home Life, & Relationships.

I wrote out what was happening in each of these areas at different time periods.

Next I consolidated into 4 categories, and rated each on a scale from 1 through 100:

This exercise made more clear what I already suspected:

• There are multiple factors at play when it comes to your health.

• When 1 or more key areas suffer, they can start to drag down others.

• Conversely, when you make small improvements to 1 key area, you can begin to uplift the others.

This is why I always talk about ‘The Journey’; your health is a journey that is NOT identical to anyone else’s.

There are so many factors at play that my chart is a significant oversimplification of how complex obesity is.

Explain It To Me Like I’m 5 👦

Today’s topic, as simply as possible:

“Gaining & losing weight is not easy for everyone.

Sometimes it’s hard. Some people need help.

It’s easy to say ‘make better food choices’, but not always easy to do.

Many people have different challenges to overcome.”

The Foresight Project Obesity Map 🗺️

In 2007 this was published by the UK Government Office for Science and Department of Health and Social Care:

I included this as a visual to show how complex obesity can be.

You don’t need to read the study, but if you’d like to, here’s the link.

Instead I’d recommend listening to this podcast on the topic with Dr. Joey Munoz.

Possible Action Steps 🎯

Unlike that ridiculously complicated map, or the self-assessment I did (to help myself become a better coach), your action steps should be simple.

Here are 3 hypothetical (and common) examples:

(1) You typically snack on calorie dense, more highly processed foods (like potato chips, pretzels, and candy). This week, you look to add one new snack to the mix that’s a bit more satiating (like some nuts, a decent granola bar, or a piece of fruit). Ideally it is one thing that you will enjoy once a day, to start.

(2) You socialize a lot, eating at restaurants frequently, including regular alcohol intake. This week, you’ll add one full glass of water after every alcoholic beverage, to start.

(3) You’ve lost 20 pounds several times using various restrictive or fad diets, but never kept it off for more than one year. You always go back to ‘old habits’. This week, you’ll begin to build a really easy new habit: adding in 1 more serving of protein per day.

Remember, as always, these are possible examples. Your actual action step will vary. If you don’t know where to begin, hit reply, and we’ll chat.

Parting Zen 🧘‍♂️

A simple word, phrase, or thought to take with you:

Thanks for reading!

Take care,

Coach Matt

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