According to Wikipedia, a hobby is “an activity or interest undertaken for pleasure, typically during one’s leisure time.” I know, I laughed when I saw the phrase “leisure time,” too, but stay with me here.
Take a moment and think about a hobby you have. For instance, let’s imagine people who like to scrapbook. I would bet they have the tools, materials, and supplies necessary for that craft and put them to use every free moment possible.
I would go even further and say they have books, follow numerous blogs, and subscribe to all kinds of magazines to find the latest tricks of the trade and become the best at what they do.
Regardless of the hobby, the point is that people enjoy their hobbies and prioritize finding the time and energy to fit them in their schedules regularly. Now just imagine what could be accomplished if your hobby was putting that same effort into losing weight and getting healthy.
That is what I did. Once the fog lifted and I couldn’t deny the unhealthy habits I had come to know, I was ready for a new hobby. Weight loss and healthy eating became a priority; ultimately, that became my new hobby.
5 ways I turned losing weight into my new hobby.
I became excited. The instant I accepted that diets don’t work and that losing weight was something I controlled, it was like I was reborn. The excitement I experienced from that moment inspired a commitment to my health that I never had.
My entire mindset changed. Instead of viewing weight loss as another chore or burden in the long daily list of things I was obligated to do every day, I welcomed the challenge. I finally wrapped my brain around what I needed to do to make changes and fit healthier habits into my life, and I got excited about that!
I started researching food, nutrition, and cooking. A lot of information is available that is not found in the mainstream media. This means you won’t find it by just turning on the television. Now and then, you might get a small snippet of information from the evening news, but you must search that out for yourself to get more in-depth information about food and nutrition.
Again, it was about taking control of my life by first controlling my knowledge. Until then, everything I thought I knew about food was wrong. I started reading books, following blogs, and watching documentaries that gave me the knowledge needed to start formulating a plan and to make fundamental changes in my life that would offer permanent results.
I made the time. Once something becomes a priority, it is very easy to make the time for it. I work full-time, am divorced, and have two kids, so my time is stretched thin. Once I changed my mindset and prioritized creating a healthier life, I found the time. Time management strategies can be a life changer for busy parents when they are put to use. See my time-blocking post for my favorite way to stay productive.
I enlisted others in my efforts. It’s easier for your friends, family, and colleagues to support you if they know what is happening. If there is one thing I learned about losing weight, everyone is concerned about it in some way, shape, or form.
People love talking about it and welcome the conversations to learn from one another.
I started a blog. Now, I know starting a food or weight loss blog isn’t something everyone wants to do. However, I will say it’s been life-changing for me, and I truly feel that if I didn’t have this blog to hold me accountable, I would’ve easily slipped back into old habits time and time again.
Writing this blog keeps me focused and provides a supportive community I never knew I needed. If a blog isn’t something you want to do, I recommend journaling or joining a supportive Facebook Group like the FB Group.
Don’t get complacent. Once losing weight becomes your hobby, that doesn’t mean it won’t be challenging at times. I’m sure there are times when a scrapbooker or model builder gets frustrated when the pages don’t turn out right, or they use too much glue.
The main idea is that you learn from your mistakes, welcome the challenge, and enjoy learning about and fitting your hobby into your life!
J says
Thanks i am not good with diets and have 100 pounds to loose
Mindy says
Wow! I feel like a dinosaur. The definition from Wikipedia instead of an online dictionary blows my aging mind! No wonder I find it hard to lose weight! I’m ancient!
Amy says
Thank you for this. I have tried Plexus, Ideal shape and others. Now realizing it is what you eat and exercise. I do not have to spend the extra money for things that are just temporary. Now I just need to incorporate it in to my life.