“Each of us is responsible for how we look and feel. If you’re fat it’s your own fault; if you’re thin and fit it’s your own fault, too.”
That is the thought of Steve Siebold, author of Die Fat or Get Tough: 101 Differences in Thinking Between Fat People and Fit People. Siebold is an expert in the field of mental toughness and has worked with Fortune 500 companies, athletes and professionals to give them a sense of control over their thoughts and feelings in order to achieve excellence. He now has written a book on how one must have the same mental toughness to get fit and stay that way. This is especially a good message for the upcoming holiday season.
I have not read this book and in fact never heard of Steve Siebold until I received an email to promote the book. The website site where you can learn more is www.diefatbook.com. There is explains that if you are sensitive or easily offended or have any medical conditions or eating disorders this book is not for you. That alone adds to the intrigue. The core message is that if you think fat you will be fat and if you are fat it is your fault.
I found the concept very interesting as I do share the opinion that you are responsible for you. No one can make you fat or make you eat a dozen donuts even if you did just experience a bad break up. I have experienced in my time being thin, fat, thin again, and fat again, that mental toughness is key. I also love how Siebold’s website points out that if easy quick ways of losing weight worked than you would be thin.
Please understand that I am not promoting his book. I was not asked to review it nor write an article on Steve Siebold. After reading a few of his tips I thought it would be helpful to share them with you because weight loss begins in the mind and not the hips.
Siebold’s suggestions:
99% compliance is failure. If you’re going to get fit, it’s all or nothing – including Thanksgiving!
Don’t give into cravings; remain compliant. Sure the pecan pie looks tempting, but you can resist it.
Use positive self talk to remind yourself of your health and fitness goals.
Know when enough is enough and don’t eat more than you should.
Don’t look at diet and exercise as drudgery that can only be tolerated for short periods of time. Instead, see diet and exercise as a strategy for a lifetime to stay healthy, look good and feel great.
When temptation presents itself in the form of pumpkin pie or whatever, have a plan to push forward. If you’re not ready to suffer during adversity, you’re not going to be successful.
Compartmentalize your emotions and focus completely on the goal of a better and healthier body.
I agree with all these points and thought it was important to share. I cannot speak to anything else Siebold says or suggests. I am hoping this will give you a different perspective this coming holiday season as temptations will hit us with full force. While I do not think one should feel defeated by having one bad meal, I do think you if you begin to make allowances you will find more reasons to continue with that mindset which is contrary to the goal of weight loss. I encourage you to be mentally tough this holiday season but not deprived. Eating in moderation is also an aspect of being mentally tough. In fact, eating properly and in moderation is one of the more important aspects of weight loss.
Related Articles:
Holey Donuts: Too Good to be True
Water Gets a Face Lift with Hint
A Whopping 25% of Children on Diets