A good weight loss programme can be put in place simply by keeping a food diary. You’ll need to keep to your normal habits for seven days prior to starting to slim. Jot down all the food and drink you get through, and don’t miss anything out. Then you’ll have a good idea of what needs modifying and by how much.
You may be surprised at how many snacks and sweets you’re getting through, or how many glasses of wine. If that’s the case, they should be minimised first. Maybe your diet looks pretty good. But if you’re too heavy then you’re probably eating too much of it. Whichever one is closest to your situation, what’s in the diary will reveal a lot.
Then take the next seven days and write down exactly what you’re going to stick to. Put everything down relating to exercise, food and drink. With regard to food, note what you can’t eat, and what you’ll only eat occasionally. Also write down the alternative food that you do plan to eat.
As far as alcohol is concerned, keep it to a minimum. Write down when it’s not allowed, and when and how much it is allowed. Fizzy sugar-laden beverages must go! With regard to exercise, write down a reasonable routine that you will stick to.
Accurately weigh yourself the morning your regime starts. Each week, repeat the process, modifying your plan according to the results you’re achieving. It’s tempting to get on the scales every few days – don’t. Keep it to once every seven days, first thing in the morning.
With a plan like this, you’re in complete control. Add little observations to remind yourself how you feel. Also enter the exercise you’re doing, to make sure this isn’t getting left out. It’s amazing how much easier it is to stick with something if it’s all written down.
It won’t happen overnight though. At first, it seems to be all effort and no reward! Try to exercise patience, and do persevere. Staying motivated can be difficult, so it’s important to focus on the rewards and not the effort.
If you do get demoralised with your results, analyse what’s been happening. Could your diet do with a bit of modification? Additional physical activity can help you catch up. Are there any fitness classes you could attend in the evening?
Acknowledge your accomplishments. Quantifying the results you achieve makes dieting a great deal easier to maintain long-term. A lovely new suit should probably wait until your full weight loss is realised. But an evening at a show would be spot-on to toast a ten pound loss!
(C) Scott Edwards. Check out WeightLossDietWar.com for the best information on diet plans and weight loss dieting.
