I saw an infomercial the other day for a weight loss solution targeting the frustrated people who, “fail to see results from diet and exercise.” Had to scratch my head on that one.

When do diet and exercise fail?

This question is a trick, of course. Diet and exercise don’t fail.

The only way for diet and exercise not to work is if you fail to stick with it long enough for the results to show.

Plain and simple. End of story.

I’ve seen more clients over 50 years old than I can count, transform their bodies through the power of diet and exercise. Without surgery. Without gadgets. Without pills.

The real question to ask, when you’re not making progress towards your fat loss goal, is not why diet and exercise have failed you, but rather why have you not stuck with it?

How to stick with a diet and exercise plan

I will not downplay the hard work that goes into sticking with a diet and exercise plan, day-after-day, week-after-week, to achieve a healthy body transformation.

It takes dedication, focus, energy, determination and a stubborn refusal to quit.

Make no mistake about it: losing fat is hard work!

The hard work is why so many give up before experiencing the healthier body that they want to have.

So, you wonder, why are some people able to stick with the process long enough to transform their bodies while others jump ship after a few weeks?

Here are the four steps to sticking with diet and exercise for the long haul

1. Mentally and emotionally lock on to the idea of the new, healthier, you.

You can’t casually date the idea of transforming your body. Half-hearted is a noncommitting, no-strings-attached relationship – you’ve got to go all in, both mentally and emotionally.

Attach yourself to the idea of a brand new you; focus on how you will move better, feel better, and how life will improve once you achieve your healthier goals. The stronger your feelings and mental image become, the more likely you are to succeed.

2. Keep the game plan as simple as possible.

There is no need for fancy diet plans or complicated exercise movements when it comes to a smaller, healthier you. Keep your game plan as dull and boring as possible, even eating the same meals every day and exercising at the same time for the same length (with varying intensity), until your big goals are a new you.

Until your big healthy leap is in the NOW, stick with an uncomplicated game plan that works.

3. Expect the resistance.

It’s naïve to think that your body transformation journey will be all smooth sailing. Realistically you will run into resistance time and time again.

This resistance will come in the form of tempting cheat meals, tired muscles, lazy friends and waning motivation. But, most powerfully, the opposition will come from inside of you. It’s natural to resist change, and transforming your body to “healthy” is a big change. Plan for the waves of resistance. See it coming before it crashes over you, and you’ll be able to stand firm long enough for it to recede without hampering your progress.

4. Build in accountability.

Accountability is the most important step by far. It is essential for you to build accountability into your fail-proof healthy plan. A friend, a coach, or a mentor who has a vested interest in seeing you succeed will save you from throwing in the towel when things get tough.

As Functional Aging Specialists, a role that we fill for our clients is the accountability to keep them on their path to health and fitness with our support, instruction, and encouragement. We celebrate every healthy change, and every ounce of new confidence gained.

If you’re not yet one of our amazing clients, then today is the perfect day to begin!

Call or email us now to get started on your true body transformation story – and let’s show the world how diet and exercise DO work!