Fitness and fat loss is not easy. I’d go so far as to say it is damn hard. If it were easy everyone would be lean. Having an environment conducive to fat loss is a must. Your surroundings can make-or-break your fat loss program.  I have seen too many programs derailed by various negative aspects of life. These people are often very dedicated, but due to outside influences their program collapsed. It is with that in mind that I have created the following list of 6 tips to create the absolute optimal environment for fat loss.

Turn Off the TV:
Too many hours are wasted sitting on the couch, mowing through bags of whatever while watching the latest reality show. Turn off the TV. I don’t care if it is the latest 65″ HD monster, you will be far better off going for a walk.

 
An average night

Clean House: 
Get rid of all the junk food in your house. You can’t have a late night crap feast if there is no crap to be found. You should stock up on lean proteins, fibrous veggies, and low sugar fruits.

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Land O’ Chips

Ditch The Spouse:
Whether it be husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend get rid of them.  If there is even a chance they do not share your metabolism or drive to get in shape they have no place in your life.

I love you too, honey

Quit Your Job: 
Co-workers are saboteurs and sometimes flat out jerks. While perhaps not malicious in intent, their actions are meant to derail your program.  Things like “one bite won’t hurt”, or  “you already look fine”. By bringing you down, it makes them less guilty about their own bad habits.  You know how important your goals are for your self image.  By eliminating this toxic environment your results are ensured.

Co-Workers suck

Lose Your Kids: 
Kids have crazy metabolisms.  Too often they can eat whatever they want and not gain weight- and they’ll do it right in front of you. That is just plain mean. Add to that sometimes they don’t eat it all leaving a perfectly good piece of whatever it is on the plate - just staring at you. You are better off without the temptations.

 
Save some for Daddy

Ignore Your Parents:
Let’s face it, it’s ultimately their fault you are not lean. It is they who passed on the faulty genetics plus they fostered bad eating habits in early childhood. Next time around, choose better parents.

Stop Paying Bills:
Bills are a great source of stress. Stress increases cortisol levels which can halt all fat loss efforts.

That’s about right

Lock Yourself In:
The outside world is full of negativity and potential temptation.  Create a sanctuary in your basement or garage. All you need are some dumbbells and a bench, a bathroom is provably a good idea for personal needs and a water source, and a computer with Internet access so you can order your protein powder (which is all you should eat) and so you can continue to read my incredibly helpful fitness tips.

A bit lavish, but it acceptable

Until next time- I’ll be in my garage- alone.

Joshua Carter
http://carterfitness.com/

PS:  Obviously the point of the above was to drag you in with seemingly acceptable suggestions, then illustrate the absurdity of “all out” optimization. There is no way I will stop watching TV, I certainly will never clean my house, I might ditch the spouse for a weekend or so, but that is plenty (same for the kids, they’re too cute). The real challenge lies in creating a program that provides a balance between what is optimal and what is practical.  It can be done.

Chances are you cannot quit your job, and there might be people there who are not the most supportive, but that’s ok.  You can find strength in other areas.  There will always be those you can count on to help you in your fitness quest. Those who believe in you, like your non-optimal parents, spouse and kids (and possibly jerky co-workers.) And you ever need a boost you can always email or call me.