If it says it on the internet, it HAS to be true. Oh? Oh! Oh good, then! Because I was a little skeptical of the 97 yr old grandma who looks 15 because she follows one weird old trick and doctors all hate her for it. And to think – she’s from my home town! What are the odds??!??!?
We’ve all seen it. A woman, clearly in her 80’s, Photoshopped to look half her age. It used to be, that kind of photo manipulation was difficult and time consuming. I know. I’ve been using Photoshop professionally for the last 13 years, and unprofessionally several more before that. And there’s nothing wrong with it – until the lies start.
But wait! There’s good news! If you just listen to our 30 minute talk, with no fast forward buttons, we’ll tell you 5 foods you eat every day that are secretly making you fat!… Or killing you!… Or poisoning your children! Whatever. Long as you hang out long enough for us to upsell you on our DVD set. No worries, that banana we pictured in our banner isn’t one of them – but you’ll have to wait til the end to find out.
The internet is the latest wild west, folks. Complete with snake-oil salesmen! They may not peddle their wares on the side of a stage coach selling bottles of magic elixir (pronounced moonshine with herbal tea mixed up in it), but they’re here all the same. Just try and look up your local weather forecast without encountering at least three grease-ball ads.
Weight loss seems like the biggest contender. If there was ever a target market lied to more, I’d like to see it. Are you overweight? If so, then most likely you’re self-conscious about that. It’s a subject you’d prefer people to just leave alone. And this is one reason you’re being targeted.
Another reason of course, is that obesity is becoming a national health epidemic in the USA. The number of obese people in this country is growing every day. In more ways than one.
If you’re a member of this group, then you know the lies extend beyond the internet. People have been lying to you on TV for years. Back in the 60’s there was a “Vibrating Belt Machine.” It consisted of, well, a vibrating belt. It was all the rage. Chances are, someone in your family or neighborhood had one. “Your bum will turn pink, or your money back!” The vibrating belt machine was later proven to have absolutely no health effects whatsoever. Aside from increased circulation in your buns, anyway.
“Well, all of this sounds pretty accurate,” you’re thinking, “So what are YOU about to sell me on? Perhaps a newly discovered grubworm that produces magical ‘anti-fat’ properties?”
Nope.
I’m about to sell you on the one truth you’ve refused to accept. The truth that’s been in front of your face all along, but just seems too hard. The truth, that losing weight hurts.
Losing weight takes time. Losing weight requires discipline. You will feel hungry. You will feel tired. You will have to sweat. You will probably look ridiculous. At first, you won’t see any changes. For a while, it’ll feel like you’re doing it all for nothing.
But then… the changes will begin to show. The workouts will begin to become routine. The food will start to taste good to you. The regular mealtimes will feel right to you. The exercise will leave you feeling good. Tired? Yes. Sore? Yes. Sweaty? Yes. But good, too.
Exercise? Feel Good? How?
Exercise increases endorphins – your body’s natural painkillers. And your brain releases serotonin – the equivalent of “happy juice,” if you will. Combined with the satisfaction of completing a hard workout successfully, these cause an improvement of mood and a feeling of happiness that is significant to say the least, and medicinal according to some studies. Research has actually shown that regular exercise can remedy depression just as effectively as several popular anti-depression medications.
Of course, it goes well beyond physical. In addition to the feeling of accomplishment and pride after finishing a workout routine, and the endorphins / serotonin, there is also an extended, more protracted level of accomplishment growing. Every day that you continue to exercise, eat right, and discipline your body and schedule – something else is growing stronger – your confidence and self-esteem.
There is definitely a silver lining to the weight loss cloud. So don’t just look at the pain. Look at the rewards. Don’t just think in the short term – look at where you want your life to be a year from now. Don’t sell yourself short. There’s no reason to live your life prisoner to fat and poor self-image. It’s not the life you were meant for or the life you deserve.
Until you attack the problem head-on though, you’ll continue to be a target, continue to be lied to, and continue feeling like you somehow deserve this kind of treatment.
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