No shortcuts

I have a client who is extremely hard-working and determined in most aspects of her life. She's kind and generous in her relationships, and disciplined in her work ethic. But when it comes to losing weight, like many others, she wants a quick fix. She's tried every diet fad imaginable and, as a last and reluctant resort, she came to me. I've been with her for many months now and she not only visibly looks healthier, she also feels better. But she has a goal weight in mind and until she sees that number on the scale, she won't be satisfied. If I've learned anything so far in my life, it's that anything worth succeeded at takes time and effort. There isn't an easy way out. As much as I'd like to cut corners occasionally, I know that when I do skip workouts or eat in a way that makes me feel lethargic and unproductive, I'm the only one who loses. If I want to run a marathon, I have to train for it -- there's no way around that. If someone wants to lose weight, there's work involved, no excuses. Exercise has to be in the equation for anyone that's looking for long-term health benefits. The scale dictates progress, but it doesn't validate the daily efforts that go along with committing to an exercise routine. While shortcuts can occasionally get us to our destinations quicker, a shortcut is also defined as "a method of doing something more directly and often not as thoroughly as by ordinary means". Sometimes life calls for an alternative approach, but when it comes to getting our bodies to their healthiest states, the only real way to achieve success is by continually challenging the body through exercise, and eating a balanced diet. This takes dedication and focus and, without a doubt, plenty of hard work. It isn't easy but the pay off literally equals years added to our lives. And in my opinion, that's worth working for.