You Want To Lose Weight? Focus On Balance

“Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”  – Albert Einstein

Monday morning, 6 a.m.  Some early birds are already getting their sweat on in the gym.  Summer is around the corner. Time to sport a perfect beach body.  At midday, we nibble away on our salad with a chicken fillet and for dinner, those nasty carbs are banned completely for the sake of a toned figure as we want to lose weight.  We want to feel good and fit but there’s more to fitness than jogging and snacking on carrots.  We need balance, we need holistic health.  Here is how to achieve this balance:

Find the happy medium – physically & mentally
Einstein’s quote always makes me think of Sarah.  This eight-year-old girl participated in a talent show with her unicycle. She speeded down stairs, jumped off ramps, skillfully mastered every obstacle.  When taking a closer look, you could see that the tire of her unicycle wasn’t completely inflated.  The host asked Sarah why it wasn’t pumped up.  She answered, giggling: “Because, obviously, the tire wouldn’t bounce anymore.  It’s the only reason I can hold my balance.”

Now, this is true for us too.  When under pressure, we can’t find inner balance.  When we’re under constant tension we easily get thrown out of balance because we’re unable to let things “bounce off.”

Goodbye, stress – hello, ideal weight
When unbalanced, we are stressed.  What does our body do?  It procudes stress hormones: cortisol and adrenaline.  These are bad for our figure.  Unfortunately, in times of stress we’re more likely to store some fat here and there and our body literally screams for sweets and fatty fast food.  The consequence: the dreaded muffin top around the belly.

So, remember: the more balanced you are, the more figure-friendly your lifestyle.

Find your balance – Yang and yin
Activity and rest. There’s no darkness without light, no love without hate.  For one thing to exist, the other has to be there too.  The same applies to our body.  Be active, then relax. Only if you find a middle ground will you be able to live a balanced life.

Being active is important.  Active phases, with your muscles and body feeling alive, are vital – as long as there are times to relax and recharge your batteries, too.

How can you best unwind and relax?  Try reading a book, listenting to your favorite music, meditating, or just doing nothing at all? For me, it is a decent amount of sleep that gives me the necessary strength and balance for the next day. While resting at night, we give our body and soul time to regenerate.

If you find the right equilibrium between tension and relaxation, you can live a well-balanced life.  If you are sleeping around eight hours daily, following a healthy and balanced diet, and being physically active without forgetting about resting and relaxing, you will live a balanced and healthy life.  This is the premise for a healthy weight.  Now, who doesn’t want that?!

Do you want to lose weight? Do you have a personal formula for a successful day of relaxation?  I am looking forward to reading it in the comments!

In my next post you will learn how to pimp up your daily vitamin dose.

Bye for now,
Vera

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