Fact: Your body is healthiest when you’re not under or overeating and working out like a maniac (or not at all). Yep, it’s that balance thing again, explains psychologist Glenn Mackintosh.
So, what’s the answer to getting back to the weight where your body feels and functions at its best? We’re glad you asked.
“The ideal body pushed by the diet industry creates a situation where many of us are at war with our bodies, constantly trying to reshape them to fit society’s expectations of them. This sets us up for an unwinnable battle with these amazing miracles that we should be celebrating but have somehow learnt to hate,” says Mackintosh. Mackintosh gets his clients to set different goals. Instead of striving for constantly wanting to lose 15kg, he asks them to set themselves up for success instead of failure. It might be “continuing my health and fitness adventure” or “treating my body with respect and love”. He says, “Taking the focus off weight loss and placing it on yourself as a person has a whole different feel to it. And it works so much better.”
Here’s how to know if you’re there.
1. You’re not hung up on numbers
“Focusing on your weight creates more problems than it cures. I would even take the kilos out of it completely, and focus on just getting your body functioning at its very best.”
2. You work out because it gives you wings
“It is absolutely about your body’s ability to move around in the world, to get through the workout, or run after the bus or play with the kids without getting puffed! That’s why it’s great to train for what you actually want to do in life.”
3. You eat for max energy
“If you overeat you’ll feel sluggish and bloated, but if you restrict yourself you’ll feel tired and deprived, so it’s really about finding the balance that helps your body thrive.”
4. You’re tuned-in to natural stress busters
“A well-functioning body is also about understanding what ways of eating and moving your body help you feel calm, clear-headed and able to effectively deal with the stresses life throws your way.” wh
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