Archive for the ‘Motivation’ Category

The Quickest Way to Lose Weight

Did Dave Discover Quickest Way to Lose Weight?

The question that plagues many, especially with summer just around the corner is “What is the quickest way to lose weight?” When considering this question, many may begin to think in terms of restricting certain foods, or choosing the best exercise routine or perhaps buying the latest greatest piece of exercise equipment.

I, on the other hand, tend to prefer the more common sense approach. Don’t get me wrong, during running season I am absolutely tweaking my routine, alternating long slow days with tough interval days and (this is important) rest days. At the beginning of the season however, when my only thought is to find the quickest way to lose weight so that my knees don’t hurt when I run, I go back to basics.

When talking about saving money quickly, Dave Ramsey says to go after it like a gazelle; like a man on a mission. If memory serves, his solutions list contained some pretty radical ideas like: Clip coupons, work a second job, don’t go on vacation, work a third job, buy used clothes (Osh Kosh B-Gosh comes to mind) and my personal favorite, “eat every other week.” Other than this last one, these all sound very common sense like to me. In fact, it inspired my annual pre running season weight loss plan.

The Quickest Way to Lose Weight: Like a Gazelle

So, I submit to you now — the Dave Ramsey inspired, common sense financial analogy for losing weight quickly.

• Clip Coupons – This is talking about stretching your dollar. Adding coupon paper to your grocery dollars to make them go further. In our quest to lose weight quickly, our coupons consist of water and fiber. Drink water before and during every meal and eat foods high in fiber. Among other benefits, these two practices will help you feel full and will stretch your calories by decreasing your appetite.
• Work a Second Job – Start your new weight loss job consisting of at least 30 minutes of quality aerobic exercise every day. We aren’t killing ourselves running seven miles here; we’re talking about some jumping jacks, fast walking and stretching so there is no need for a day off.
• Don’t go on Vacation – Translation: Don’t go to Outback. I don’t care if the lobster is back; it’s always back. I like that Australian Shiraz. I love the Bloomin Onion. I dream about the Victorian Filet. If we’re going to be serious about this thing though, it’s time to eliminate eating out and alcohol (which has almost as many calories per gram as fat). Subway has some reasonable options if you have to eat on the road (6-inch, not 12), but sadly, fine dining while enjoyable, is Not the quickest way to lose weight.
• Work a third job – What am I nuts? Ok, just a little job. We’re talking about one more little workout in the morning – either fifteen minutes of cardio or a good strength building workout that takes your favorite body part to complete muscle failure before breakfast. We are kicking this thing into high gear baby.
• Buy Used Clothes – Ok that’s just stupid. Hmmmmm… analogy cramp. Ok, got it. We’re going to go with an opposite here. Plan a reward for yourself when you meet your goal. Preferably one that doesn’t include Outback.
• Eat Every Other Week – I’ve left this one on as a perfect example of what NOT to do. Do not skip meals, especially breakfast. This is the one of the quickest ways to short circuit your metabolism. Also, fasting, while great for your body and spirit is not a valid weight loss method. Besides, if you fast for weight loss, you lose all the great spiritual benefits of learning how to put your flesh under.

Well, that’s it: The quickest way to lose weight, based on common sense and financial peace; good luck.