According to Wikipedia, a twelve-step program is a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for tackling problems including alcoholism, drug addiction and compulsion. Originally proposed by Alcoholics Anonymous as a method of recovery from alcoholism.
But this blog is about health & wellness. And I want to help you tackle one of the biggest challenges that far too many people continue to face. What is it? Obesity, weight-loss, “yo-yo” dieting, being over-weight; call it what you will. The bottom line is that you weigh more than you want and can’t find a long-term solution for shedding the extra weight, or keeping it off.
This is where I can help. I have created my own twelve-steps for healthy weight-loss. And although it’s not a program per se, it’s something you can follow if you want to lose weight once and for all.
Since I’m a big fan of the number 13, we’ll make it a baker’s dozen. So let’s count ’em down and get you some results!
- Identify WHY you want to lose the weight and WHAT it will cost you if you don’t. What are the benefits and consequences?
- Cut out sugar. All of it, including drinks and artificial sweeteners.
- Go grilled, not fried.
- No fast food. Seriously!
- Drink water – lots of it.
- Eat breakfast every day.
- Get 8 hours of sleep every night.
- Walk 10,000 steps every day. Work up to it if it’s too big of a start, and do it briskly as you progress.
- When you workout, do it with intensity & purpose to get the most out of your strength and cardio training.
- Minimize eating in restaurants, and definitely skip the app’s.
- Snack smart by eliminating processed food. Focus on fruits, nuts and veggies.
- Step away from the buffet! Nothing good happens here.
- Spice up your meals to boost your metabolism.
Too daunting? Start with 1 or 2 items and build them into your routine so they eventually become a healthy habit. Then add a couple more and before you know it, you will have accomplished your goal, improved your lifestyle, and added years to your life! 
For extra credit, keep a journal to “track” your journey. It can be as simple as keeping tabs on your workouts, your meals, your water intake, your calorie burn, your wins, your weight…
Pick one. Or pick a few. Pick whatever helps you track your progress. This valuable feedback will provide added clarity for what’s working and what needs to be tweaked.
Thanks for sharing your time with me. I’d love for you to let me know what you think by leaving a comment. Is the content helpful? Did anything resonate? What would you like to see in future posts?
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