Why are we obsessed with weight loss? When you ask most people why they exercise, the answer is to lose weight. There are so many other benefits to exercise, but we tend to focus our results primary on the scale. We punish and torture ourselves just in the hopes that when we step on the scale we see a number we are happy with.

We tend to be so obsessed with losing weight, that exercise is a chore we dread. We often come up with any excuse not to go to the gym. The same thing is wrong with diet trends. So many women go on diets, complaining the entire time about how awful they are. We deny ourselves pleasures, such as a piece of chocolate and feel guilty if we eat anything that is considered “bad”.

Overall, we want to be happy. In the long run, we will do what makes up happy. If you dread going to the gym, it will be a struggle everyday. Instead find a way to incorporate activity into your lifestyle and not just as some dreaded trip to the gym. Remember, just being active burns calories…you don’t have to spend every day on that elliptical trainer. Try new activities such as tennis, golf, swimming, biking, or simply walking. Yes, they may not burn as many calories as that hour on the elliptical, but if you enjoy playing tennis, then you will want to do it.

The same is true of diets. Yes, they work…in the short term. But, if you absolutely love pizza, how are you going to live the rest of your life without it? We are only human…we will eventually give in to our desires. So, as with activity, make a healthy diet part of your life. If you love pizza, have it – but, savor that one slice with a big salad instead of eating four or five slices.

Ask yourself if you would be happy at your goal weight if it meant going to the gym five days a week and never eating your favorite foods. You can enjoy life and lose weight. It’s all about balance. Get your mind off the scale. Is your goal truly to only lose weight?