We’re creatures of habit. Chances are that you have a daily schedule that is within minutes of being the same every single day. The same wake-up time, meals, relaxation, computer, even sitting in the same place to do it all. Well now you need to add another scheduled time. Schedule a specific time to walk every day. Morning, noon, after dinner, whatever will work for you. Morning is most likely the best because you can adjust your existing schedule for it easier. You also will be less likely to skip it because you are tired, too busy, or just lazy.
Start by walking the neighborhood route I suggested yesterday. Walk that same route every day at the same time, every day for a week. Then alternate with another route for a week. Then the magic happens. Studies show that doing something for 14 days will imprint the action on your brain. You will then do it as your routine and actually miss it if you change it. You will also begin to get a lot of satisfaction out of your dedicated success.
Beginning today, start every day on the right foot.
TODAY: SCHEDULE YOUR WALKING TIME AND WALK THE NEIGHBORHOOD
I know, you’re thinking now that you wish you had that problem. But it really isn’t the way to turn your weight around. If you try to change things too fast, odds are that you will get discouraged and give up. If you just stop eating all together your metabolism will slow down and when you eat (and you WILL eat) the weight comes right back. Let’s get real about how you got this way. You’ve been eating too much, exercising too little (or not at all) and your mind is telling you that you like the sweets, snacks and the couch. But you have to start changing that NOW.
Don’t start feeling guilty about eating. You’ll just eat to console yourself. You simply have some adjusting to do, and I don’t mean letting your belt out another notch. You need a mental adjustment. You CAN get to a healthy weight. You have to believe that you can. But understand that it won’t happen because of a fad diet. It takes a mental commitment to eat good food in smaller portions and get exercise. It’s the only way to win the battle of weight loss.
TODAY: WALK AROUND PART OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. MAKE THAT ONE OF SEVERAL REGULAR WALKING ROUTES TO REPEAT.
Don’t think of it as HAVING to exercise. Instead, focus on how you WANT to exercise so you can feel great. That’s because you will. You will sleep better, have more energy, a clearer mind and even a better sex life. Physical activity is good for you whether you are trying to lose weight or not. Keep it positive and you’ll end up looking positively great!
TODAY: THINK OF HOW GOOD YOU’RE BEING TO YOURSELF WHEN YOU EXERCISE.
But take it easy on the high calorie, high carb food. You can have or go to the cookout but have a nice big cool salad to start. (Easy on the dressings.) Fresh veggies are great snacks. It will keep you munching without the consequences. Try some lime with ice water and some Splenda for a great lite drink. Or any number of those Crystal Lite beverage mixes. Go ahead and have a lite beer or two too. Don’t deprive yourself, just don’t overdo it.
TODAY: START THE SUMMER COOKOUT SEASON WITHOUT A LOT OF CALORIES.
Synapses – the junction across which a nerve impulse passes from an axon terminal to a neuron.
What should come to mind is… your mind. That’s a big part of changing your food loving life for the better. You have to get your head in the game and commit to success. Decide that the diet is going to work. Train your mind to eat low calorie alternatives like raw veggies instead of bad snacks. You have to be convinced that you will succeed this time. Every successful person will tell you that they actually picture achieving their goals in their mind. There are those who swear by actually speaking those positive affirmations to themselves each morning in the mirror. Let’s change that just a little bit. Do your affirmation every time you step on the scale. You will succeed this time. You will.
TODAY: PARK FURTHER FROM WORK, THE STORE AND EVERYWHERE ELSE YOU GO. EVERY EXTRA STEP COUNTS.
You may have some spare bites left in the fridge from eating less at each meal. Today is the day for you to have a smorgesboard of bites. It will give you a nice variety and a cheap meal. Actually, don’t let those leftovers go to waste at any time. A diet is a great way to save money and those hunks of meat and portions of veggies that you didn’t eat because you were reducing portions can be mixed together into a nice hash. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. It’s a great opportunity to experiment because if it doesn’t taste good… it’s no big loss! I find that a good spicy hot sauce, with little or no added calories, gives a nice boost and tickles your taste-buds with a new experience as well.
TODAY: MAKE A MEAL OF LEFTOVERS.
At this point in the week we are dropping six or seven bites from each meal. So skip leaving them behind on your plate and simply reduce your portion size. It should be easy to judge that. It’s probably almost half of the portions you have been eating. Share it or save it but know that it won’t end up wasted or on your waist.
TODAY: TRY HALF PORTIONS.