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Keep up your Weight Loss Motivation in December
By Janice Elizabeth Small
Wanting to lose weight in December is the pits, isn't it? While
you may struggle the rest of the year with not eating too much
and choosing healthy foods it's that bit more difficult when all
around you are wolfing down goodies of every kind with
seemingly total abandon.
Everyone you visit offers you tempting treats and no doubt you
have more than enough food at home to sink a battleship for
the visitors you get. And the food doesn't always stay "just for
guests" once it calls your name from the cupboard.
But if you want to avoid regret with even more pounds to lose
by January then you need to be stronger than ever.
1. Daily reminder
Every day remind yourself of your reasons for losing weight.
Why do you you want this? Why is that important to you? Ask
yourself whether any temporary pleasure from food is worth the
regret you will feel at going backwards in your plan.
2. Set an intention
Before every meal set an intention that you will enjoy it and
have what you want but that you will eat just enough to satisfy
your hunger and no more.
3. Enjoy the special foods
Don't deny yourself your favourites but have just a little of those
things which you know are full of calories. Enjoy a little as much
as a lot by eating the food slowly and really tasting it.
4. Stock up
Treat yourself to some healthy foods that you might not
normally buy, such as smoked lean meats and fish, exotic fruits
and vegetables, caviar. Make food special without the calories
so that you don't feel deprived at all.
5. Quality not quantity
Buy the very best of everything you can afford and savour it. If
you're going to buy chocolate get a small box of handmade
exquisite Belgian chocolates and not a multi-pack of cheap
chocolate bars. That way you really feel you are celebrating in
style but you won't go too overboard.
6. Make a Game of "No"
If you tend to eat just because food is offered without even
thinking about it, now is a great time to practise saying "No
thanks not just now" or even "Thanks - I'll take a piece for
later" because food will be offered everywhere you go! Look at
this like a game you are playing and keep your score. How many
times can you say "no" in December?
7. Deal with lapses
If you over-indulge at any time, don't abandon all hope and give
up until the party season is over. One meal won't do much
damage - after all you have to eat an additional 3500 calories to
gain a pound. It's when you do this day in day out for the whole
period that you start piling on the pounds. So just get right back
on track and start again at the very next meal - eat when you're
hungry, stop when you're full.
8. Keep up your exercise
Even if you're too busy to go to the gym, do a little every day at
home. Even 10 minutes walking or stair-stepping a day will help
remind you that you are taking active steps towards your goal
and will help you avoid thoughts of giving up for the month. If
you can fit in several sessions through the day so much the
better. When you keep as active as possible as you go about
your day you will be gently reminding yourself that you care
about your shape and your health and it will be easier to keep
things in check.
9. Looking good
Wear your nicest clothes throughout the period. Make the effort
with your hair, nails and makeup and show yourself that you
deserve the very best. Instead of giving yourself food as a
reward or when you you need cheering up, give yourself the
best possible care and attention.
10. Gift of health
If you have a tradition of giving presents in December (or even if
you don't) ask for or treat yourself to a few gifts that will help
motivate you. An exercise video, a voucher for a personal trainer
or a piece of home gym equipment ( such as a rebounder, step
or balance ball) are great to help kick start a new exercise plan.
Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small
About the Author
Janice Elizabeth is a weight loss coach and slimming club owner with a no diet approach to permanent weight loss. Subscribe to her FREE weekly "No More Diets" ezine full of tips and recipes and receive a 24 page special report "How to have a Great Christmas without piling on the pounds". Subscribe at http://www.SimplySlimming.com/Christmas TODAY!
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