There are many way to achieve the same goal, be it weight-loss, fitness training for an event or just maintain a goal weight. The issue at hand is, What will work for me? The simple truth is the formula is simple. There are three requirements and they are mental, planning and execution.

The weight-loss industry is a money making machine. This gold mine has been developed with the notion that the consumer wants quick results with as little effort as possible. There is another more sinister way the industry works and that is to set you up for failure. Both of these methods are ways to keep you searching and trying any and all programs, products and fitness equipment to help you reach a goal through an unsustainable regimen.

Let's get to where you need to be mentally. You must relinquish the idea that achieving your fitness goal will be easy, nothing worth having comes easy. This means that you must come to the realization that you and only you can change the lifestyle that has you in an unhealthy place. This is not easy, but it can be done through a process that does not sabotage our intentions.

Yes, we sabotage ourselves mentally by making statements like, I can't, I couldn't, I have never, I'll try, etc These phrases are road blocks to success in any facet of our lives. These phrases need to be replaced with, I am, I see myself, and I can. Speaking to yourself as if you have already achieved the goal, visualizing the final outcome is the way to change your mental state to achieve success. Professional athletes do this on a regular basis. Prior to Tiger Woods hitting a golf shot, he has visualized the outcome of the shot. Prior to Derek Jeter hitting a baseball, he sees where it's going to go to move the runners and score. If they can do this so can you.

Next is planning. Remember this phrase, Fail to plan, plan to fail. There is a great deal of truth to that statement. Here is a simple plan. Men should eat a minimum of six (6) meals a day and women should eat at least five (5) times a day. Of course, these are not seven course meals. We call a meal anytime you are eating a lean protein with a complex carbohydrate. A complex carbohydrate is simply, a carbohydrate that is as close to its natural state as possible. Example: Baked Potato is a complex carbohydrate. Whole grains, such as whole oats, brown rice and broccoli are complex carbohydrates. Sugar, processed white bread, cakes, cookies, puddings, etc are NOT. Drink at least 100 oz. of water a day and restrict alcohol to a bare minimum.

Physical training is the final component to your plan. Not everyone can perform at the same level of physical activity, due to age, injury, physical ailment or what have you. That is understandable, but not an excuse to do nothing. We can all find an activity that will cause the effective burning of calories. This is a crucial part because there are three sides to this pyramid and they need to be maintained in order to be successful.

Now for execution, we can talk, preach and write all we want. If the execution of the plan is not made then this was all for naught. Let's be mentally, emotionally and physically engaged in this process. We have but one life. Let the quality of that life be of the highest standards that you set. Not the weight-loss industry or some new found guru but you. Remember, an old Chinese proverb that states, The longest journey begins with the first step. Get off the couch and take the first step to a rewarding journey.

Learn more about this author, Mel Rodriguez.
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