Hey there, Chronic overconsumption of calories is the "cause-in-fact" of obesity, but genetic, environmental, educational, socioeconomic, and other factors prepare the ground for disordered eating. And often, resolving obesity requires addressing one or more of these "proximate causes." “Bullpucky!” you might think. “No matter their circumstances, people choose to live the way they live. Nobody is being forced into drive-thrus. They go willingly. Nobody is being banned from exercise. They refuse willfully.” You’re not wrong—ultimately only we can live our lives—but you’re also missing just how powerfully external circumstances can incline us toward behaviors, how quickly those behaviors can become habits, and how easily those habits can become shackles. “I’ll give you that,” you might say, “but it doesn’t change the fact that every day people are rising above and out of downright wretched conditions. It has been done, therefore it can be done.” Quite. Julius Caesar once said that if fortune doesn’t go your way, sometimes you have to bend it to your will. But he was Julius Caesar. And even he lost the plot. So let’s temper our tough fitness love for others with gentle compassion. Being “right” isn’t enough. We must also be kind, because people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. Also: If you want to learn more about creating a lifestyle that supports healthy weight loss and maintenance, check out this article I wrote: ⇒ https://legionathletics.com/healthy-eating-habits/ And if you’ve already read articles, watched videos, and listened to podcasts but still aren’t sure exactly how to put all the pieces together... ...or maybe you know what to do but are struggling to stay on track... ...have you considered hiring an expert to take you by the hand and just give you everything you need to build your best body ever? Custom diet and training plans, exercise technique coaching, emotional encouragement, accountability, and the rest of it? Well, that's why I created my one-on-one coaching service. My team and I have helped over three thousand men and women of all ages and abilities reach their fitness goals faster than they ever thought possible, and chances are we can do the same for you. Learn more here: ⇒ https://legionathletics.com/coaching/ Go for it! Mike |