Weight Loss Motivation

Recently, my husband and I took a trip to Curacao…a quaint little Netherlands Antilles island in the Caribbean.  A planned trip to the Caribbean typically increases my weight loss motivation. 

I was going to be donning a swimsuit and exposing a lot more flesh than I had publicly displayed all winter.  Therefore, I definitely wanted to lose any extra pounds that I had gained during the cold months.  Just imagining all those eyes at the beach focused on me was a tremendous weight loss motivator.

Once we arrived at the island, it was evident that obesity is not as big a problem there as it is in the U.S.  Everywhere I looked, I noticed a population of predominantly slender people.  When I DID see someone who was overweight, it usually turned out to be an American tourist!  Now, those statistics upped my motivation to be thin and shapely even more!

 Why are Caribbean people on the island of Curacao generally thin?  Are they motivated to lose weight because they live in a tropical paradise?  Are they more diet-savvy than Americans?  Does their economy predict their eating patterns?

 Although there is some poverty in Curacao, it appeared that many islanders lead relatively prosperous lifestyles; and it didn’t appear that too many people were going hungry.  Curacao even sported a few fast-food chain restaurants, such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, McDonald’s, Burger King, and Pizza Hut.  So, fast food is available to people of Curacao.  Nevertheless, they don’t seem to thrive on fast food the way we do!

 I believe that many Americans could become motivated to lose weight, while learning a valuable lesson from islanders: 

To lose weight and to keep it off, eat as the islanders do—predominantly foods that are available through Mother Nature!

Unlike in the U.S., the primary diet in Curacao is high in fresh fish, chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and rice…not junk food!  That’s a very simple and healthy diet!    

 In addition to eating a healthy diet, a great number of islanders were seen out jogging, walking, or bicycling during the early evening hours.  They also get exercise in the water, such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.  The point is, the island lifestyle is not generally a sedentary lifestyle. 

When bodies eat a lean, healthy diet and remain active, obesity is less likely to be problematic!     

 Now, you don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean to find weight loss motivation.  Find that motivation within yourself!  Imagine a leaner, shapelier you.  And, if it helps, picture yourself strolling on a beach in a bikini, looking fabulous, with admiring eyes watching you. 

 Ultimately, losing weight is up to you!  YOU must become motivated to shed those extra pounds!  And, YOU must take the necessary action to do so!

 Cyndi Schoenhals
“I Hate Diets!” Weight Loss Program