8 Tips for Summer Success
Posted by Gabrielle
Reece on Mon, Apr 30, 2007, 11:22 am PDT
1. Have your food plan
organized. When it comes to eating, don't wing it. While
you're starting out, you could even have your entire day or week
mapped out for you. Put the list of meals in the kitchen (on the
fridge or oven) or in a notebook so you already know mentally and
emotionally what you're going to be putting in your mouth.
It's even a great idea to have healthy snacks in
the office or in the car in case you find yourself hungry while on
the road or working late. Make sure to also control the portions
of your healthy snacks. Put them in individual-serving containers,
so it's easy to see where the cutoff point is.
2. Create a plan that you
can stick to for the long haul. This isn't a diet
mentality. This is about finding a way of eating and exercising
that you can live with. The plan should reflect who you are and
how you live your life. For example, some of the individuals said
they weren't willing or able to stop eating out as much, so it
became important for them to learn how to eat healthier while
dining out.
3. Find someone to go to
battle with. Let's face it - it's just so much easier not
to go it alone. Call a friend and see if they want to take on this
adventure with you. Talk about how your experience is going, and
surround yourself with people who are supporting your goals. If
they're trying to tempt you with foods, then either stay away from
them or ask them to stop. People will quickly learn and respect
that you are dead serious.
4. Take it one week at a
time. It's better not to tell yourself you need to lose
20, 30, 60, or 100 pounds. Just shoot for a pound or two a week.
This is a healthy and realistic goal. If you stick to it, think
about how much weight that'll be by the end of the year. You'll
feel good about your mini-accomplishments each week that feed into
your greater goal.
5. Don't punish yourself
if you have an off-day or meal. If you fall off the
wagon, don't let that throw you off course. Hey, we're all
learning and we're all human, so give yourself a break. Be
disciplined with yourself, but not to the point that it keeps you
from succeeding.
6. Get professional help.
Starting out can be frustrating and confusing. If you're
able to find a good nutritionist to talk to at least once, make an
appointment. Finding a pro is great, but if you don't have access
to someone, then hit the library and find some books that are
appealing to you to get some guidance.
7. Give yourself a pat on
the back. Why not dream up something you'd like to do if
you accomplish some of your long-term goals? Perhaps a trip
to a place you've always wanted to go? And while the long-term
goals are great, it's important to give yourself props for all the
small achievements along the way and for sticking with it. Try to
find ways to reward yourself throughout the process. Some hot new
outfit or look is a great reward.
8. Love thyself. Give
yourself lots of loving talk and support. Tell yourself how proud
you are for taking the time to care for yourself and your health,
and how strong you are just for giving it a go. Remember, we tell
our children daily that it isn't about the end result - it's about
the fact that they put forth their best effort. We all know that
if an individual gives it their all, time and time again their
results will be successful. You can do it.
