| So, now that another year has rolled around, and | | | | Put them and/or the prepped ingredients in the |
| you've added that "lose weight" resolution to your | | | | fridge or freezer so you can pop them right in |
| list, let's make a good, solid plan to get it right this | | | | the oven or microwave, and also whip up quick |
| time, shall we? Instead of approaching it like a | | | | meals that don't take alot of time. This will come |
| quick, flash in the pan impulse, which will only fade | | | | in handy on the days when you're too tired to |
| out as the weeks of the year slip by, let's set a | | | | cook or put together a meal. |
| solid foundation to get you going and keep you on | | | | Prepare ahead of time for social functions and |
| your plan. | | | | eating out. |
| First of all, what is your plan? Is it centered | | | | Knowing that you will be attending social functions |
| around a popular diet, a change of eating habits, | | | | where calorie rich food choices will be abundantly |
| cutting out specific things from your diet, or is it | | | | available, prepare ahead of time by eating |
| going to be more about portion control. | | | | something before leaving the house, and drink lots |
| When you're getting ready to embark upon a | | | | of water both before, during and after the social |
| diet, some thorough preparation is in order if you | | | | event. At the event, stick to your new eating |
| want to achieve results that are lasting. You will | | | | mindset, making the smart choices instead of just |
| need to start with some small steps first. | | | | going along with the crowd. Grilled chicken beats |
| First and foremost, you'll need to change the way | | | | fried or honey dipped. Grilled meat skewers beat |
| you think about food. | | | | fried calamari. Raw or grilled vegetables over fried. |
| Too many of us use food as comfort, pleasure, a | | | | Stuffed mushrooms trump cheese laden nachos. |
| way to ease boredom, to deal with loneliness, a | | | | Skip the rich dips and sauces. And watch your |
| way to socialize, and a substitute for whatever | | | | alcohol intake. Remember, alcohol has nice little |
| we feel is missing in our lives and selves. What | | | | hidden calories that are easy to forget. Rum and |
| you have to remind yourself of is that food is | | | | diet coke, anyone? |
| fuel for your body. It's meant to nourish your | | | | Remember, when you're on that scale and in the |
| body and keep all its systems running like the | | | | mirror, it's going to be you there by yourself, not |
| machine it is. Food's purpose also is to provide | | | | your friends or colleagues. Take responsibility for |
| you with the energy needed to accomplish life's | | | | what you put in your own mouth. It's all on you. |
| daily tasks. Food is your fuel. The fact that it's | | | | Literally. |
| also enjoyable? That's a good thing, but don't let | | | | This is a hard one, but it will help you to avoid |
| yourself get carried away! While good food can | | | | impulse binging. |
| certainly be pleasurable to the senses, you can't | | | | Throw away those take out food menus. |
| allow it to become a happy drug for you. | | | | The Chinese, Italian, pizza, etc. Sooner or later, |
| Using food to comfort yourself because of stress | | | | you're going to face cravings for some of that |
| and disappointments you may encounter daily in | | | | calorie rich take out food you've always known |
| life is not the answer. If you have some issues | | | | and loved, and when you don't find it in the fridge, |
| that need resolving, get to work on those things | | | | you might be tempted to whip out your favorite |
| as soon as you can. Find other outlets for your | | | | takeout menu and go to town. Eliminate that pitfall |
| stress and emotional issues that don't involve | | | | by taking it completely out of the equation. |
| eating. Then you'll begin to have more control | | | | Last, but not least, don't "wait until Monday" to |
| over bad impulse eating. | | | | start this new healthier eating mindset. |
| Revamp your pantry and fridge. | | | | The moment you decide on your diet, start |
| Before your diet begins, you will need to go into | | | | working on your discipline by cutting out the fatty |
| your kitchen and get rid of all the bad food | | | | choices, eliminating sugary and carb loaded snacks, |
| choices that usually get you in trouble. Donate it, | | | | and begin to implement portion control days |
| give it away, put it all in a box marked "free | | | | before you begin your actual diet. Also increase |
| food", and place it somewhere outside where | | | | your water intake. Do not go on an all out "last |
| people will be sure to see it. Then, make sure not | | | | binge" of all the fattening foods you love before |
| to buy any of that stuff again.Shop for your diet. | | | | the diet, because that will only make it feel like a |
| Get the foods and ingredients you will need for | | | | more drastic change for you when the diet |
| your plan ahead of time. | | | | actually begins. Then, it'll seem harder to you, and |
| If your plan is fresh fruit and fresh veggie heavy, | | | | you'll be more likely to cheat. Start to slip into |
| be prepared to make those extra trips to stay | | | | your new eating habits slowly, days ahead of |
| stocked up on what you need. If you can, | | | | time. Then when that first day of actual dieting |
| substitute frozen and canned instead, so you can | | | | comes, you'll be so ready. |
| keep the necessary elements of your eating plan | | | | Print these rules out and put them on your fridge, |
| handy. | | | | or anywhere that you will see them often. You |
| Don't buy the no no's like junk food, calorie laden | | | | will need to remind yourself of these things to |
| snacks and munchies. | | | | stay on track. |
| If it's in your house, there's a chance that you're | | | | Seeing successful results from any diet plan |
| going to eat it in your weakest moments. Head | | | | requires determination, discipline and good |
| that one off at the pass by not having it available | | | | preparation. You now have the tools to not only |
| to you. | | | | do it, but to do it well! |
| Eliminate excess prep time and make it easier for | | | | Get going, and good luck on your new journey! |
| yourself by preparing some of your meals and | | | | Good health and fitness to you! |
| snacks ahead of time. | | | | |