Think Slim, Issue #017 - Keep up your Motivation in December

November 30, 2005

Look great, feel great

Hi

I can't believe that Christmas is less than 4 weeks away! If you celebrate that or any of the other holidays at this time of year, I hope you're all organised and looking forward to some great parties.

If you struggle to stay on track with your weight loss efforts during December, the article this month is for you. And if you need more help then look out for news of my new free 24 page special report below.

Have a fantastic festive season

Love

P.S. There are quite a few postings on the Think Slim blog this month. See them all at http://smallchange.typepad.com/thinkslim.

Contents

Feature article : Keep up your Motivation in December

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.

This month's tip : Limit Leftovers

If you have a lot of leftovers after family parties (which is likely with the festive season approaching) do one of three things with them:

1. Throw them out

You don't need the calories so they're better off in the trash than on your waistline.

2. Give them away

Let the guests take the leftovers with them - although they may not thank you if they're trying to lose weight too.

3. Portion them

If you have some food which will keep in the freezer or fridge and which is not too much of a calorific nightmare (or which you can't bear to get rid of) divide and store it in single serving sizes so that you can get out and use just the right amount at one time.

Recommendation: A gift from me to you (and from you to you?)

I have put together a 24 page special report "How to have a Great Christmas without piling on the pounds" for the subscribers to my weekly "No More diets" ezine.

If you would like a copy you can get a free subscription at http://www.SimplySlimming.com/Christmas

You'll also receive my report "How to lose weight without dieting - 7 secrets the Diet Industry doesn't want you to know".

Treat Yourself

If you're truly interested in losing weight this year (and want to try a new approach) take a look at my coaching program at http://www.weightlosshandbook.com

You receive my 8-week coaching program "The Weight Loss Handbook" which is the same program I use with my 1-2-1 coaching clients. It takes you through a simple system to establish the 24 key habits which set you up for a life of being slim without struggle.

Wishing you a fantastic month, looking and feeling great

Janice Elizabeth Small

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have any comments or suggestions for future issues, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you. Just reply to this ezine.

P.P.S.Know anyone else who might enjoy it? Please pass it on. If you received this from a friend you can sign up for your own copy at....

www.weight-loss-motivation-program.com

copyright © 2005, J. Small. All Rights reserved.

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