What You Gain as You Lose

By Beth Sumrell Ehrensberger, M.P.H., R.D.

When it comes to dieting, how do you measure your success? If you're like many people, you probably use your weight, but that's not the only way to gauge your progress. In fact, there are several alternatives that can be just as, and sometimes more, reliable than weight. Of course, a looser waistband is a great motivator, but the perks of weight loss reach far beyond the scale: Greater confidence, improved energy, increased control over your life, stronger relationships—even additional years on your life—to name just a few . Check out all you have to look forward to as you work toward achieving your best life.

Better Health
The changes you're making on the Best Life Challenge can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, body fat percentage and other measures that are related to disease risk.

Improved Confidence
Whether it's 10 or 110 pounds, weight loss of any amount is a true accomplishment that usually results in greater self-confidence. This self-esteem boost has transformed former spectators into 10K runners, and homebodies into world travelers. What can an increase in confidence do for you?

Increased Energy
Eating well and working out often results in an increase in energy, too. This extra energy can open up a whole new world to you—you'll be able to do things you never thought you could: Spend more time playing with your children, train for a race, or go on a long hike with your friends or partner.

Longer Life
With all these good things happening in your life, wouldn't you love to add a few extra years on? The healthy habits that lead to weight loss can actually extend your life expectancy. A British study suggests that people who make the small health improvements of quitting smoking, eating five fruits and vegetables daily and exercising can live an average of 14 years longer than people who fail to make such changes. Taking small steps to better health can not only lead to a longer life, but also a better quality life!

More Control
As part of the Challenge plan, you've been working on learning about yourself, tapping into your emotions, figuring out what will make you happy and how to get past those things that stand in the way of your success. Reclaiming control over your whole life reaches beyond the numbers on the scale, no matter how low they go!

Closer Relationships
Believe it or not, it's not just you who is affected by your weight loss. Slimming down and living a healthier life can even enrich your relationships with other people. Taking care of yourself and feeling good about yourself allows you to focus your attention on others. Put simply, when you feel good about yourself, you're better able to nurture your family and friends. And conversely, the enhanced self-esteem can also give you the courage to break away from abusive or unhealthy relationships.

Obviously, it's the losing that first drives people to begin a weight-loss plan. But by following the Best Life Challenge plan, you'll also gain a number of amazing benefits that have little to do with the number on the scale and everything to do with leading your best life possible. These things can often help you stay on track until you ultimately achieve all your weight and health goals.