Ive been helping people lose weight for more than 20 years. In all of that time I have seen some weight loss mistakes being repeated over and over. One mistake in particular is failing to make a plan.
Holidays are a major cause of stress for many dieters.
There are known threats to diets. Some women have a monthly threat that their lack of planning sets their diets back a few days every time around that time of the month. Then there are the seasonal threats and the holiday threats that are equally predictable but for which too many dieters fail to make a plan.
Easter is coming. Its a threat and Ive already heard dieters say, Ill be fine. Ill just be careful.
This isnt a good plan. Its not a plan at all. Planning isnt difficult and the results are worth the time and effort. Rather than opening your eyes on Monday morning feeling bloated and full of regret, a little planning can turn that around. Instead of worrying about whether youll be able to get your control back, you can celebrate your Easter success.
Be prepared for your Easter gathering. This is not the day for leggings and a long tunic top or sweat pants. Wear something thats snug around the waist, not stretchy. Eat somefruit and vegetables before you go. Think of your stomach as a balloon 3/4 full of air. An empty belly (totally deflated balloon) makes it harder to practice flexible restraint.
1. Be very choosy about Easter candy.
2. If you will be in a situation where tension runs high with family members find ways to physically or mentally remove yourself.
3. When faced with the meal and the hors doeuvres pick carefully.
4. Avoid alcohol altogether or mix wine with sparkling water for a spritzer.
5. Move, move move!
6. Practice, practice, practice these tips by creating images in your head and watching yourself successfully perform the actions you will do to stay on track.
A well-formed plan is the best way to ensure you will great the scale with confidence after Easter.
Things dont always work out as planned. Your best shot of sticking to your plan is making it as specific and detailed as possible. Then reviewit in your head over and over and over. The more familiar you are with your plan the greater the chances it will become a reality.
If your best laid plans go awry, you didnt fail, you just need to adjust your plan so that it works the way you want it to work next time. Dont beat yourself up or start giving yourself negative self-talk, instead write the word Easter on a piece of toilet paper, flush it, and go on with your program as though Easter never happened. A little weight gain is not a setback or a roadblock, its just a detour.
Read more:
Do not let the Easter bunny wreck your diet - Bangor Daily News
