Holiday Tip #2: Don’t skip meals

thanksgiving meal

It’s so tempting to try and eat less during the day in order to save up some calories for an evening meal or event.

But in reality, this usually backfires.

When you don’t get enough fuel during the day, you’re at risk of getting way too hungry and overeating at the evening meal.

So even on days when you have a big, special event, don’t cut way back on calories or skip any of your regular meals.

By keeping your body in a healthy balance during the day, you’ll have a better chance of staying with your goals in the evening.

 

Holiday Tip #1: Walk before you eat

Autumn decor

Even if it means bundling up in warm winter clothes, take a 20 or 30 min. walk before every holiday meal or event.

If it’s feasible, walk again after the meal. You’ll feel a lot better than if you take a nap because you ate too much.

You can also build this habit into your ongoing daily life by planning to always take a walk before your evening meal.

Who stole my self-esteem?

“It was an awful week!” Shelly told her weight-loss counselor.

“It started going bad when I found out I didn’t get the new job I’d applied for at work.”

She reached for a tissue to wipe her eyes, then continued, “I thought I’d done everything right, but somehow it wasn’t enough. When my boss told me the news, my confidence hit rock bottom.” [Read more…]

Just one more day!

Tennis1As some of you know, in June, my husband had surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon.

He’s doing fine, but is facing the sad reality that he probably won’t be able to play tennis (his favorite sport) for up to a year. [Read more…]

7 Keys to Motivation – Part 2

Key # 5 – Kick the roadblocks

Think about what gets in your way when you are working on losing weight. What might keep you from success?

Is it related to people, energy, money? When you’ve struggled with this in the past, what caused you to slip up or kept you from making progress? [Read more…]

7 Keys to Motivation – Part 1

KeyDid you start the new year all fired up to lose weight?

Is that going well, or have you already lost some of your energy and determination. If so, you’re not alone.

Weight-loss motivation is tricky. It seems to be there one day, and gone the next. [Read more…]

7 Keys to Success – my answers

My answers from “7 Keys to Successful Weight Loss”

Key # 1 – Always move forward!

Today’s date here: Current day

Key # 2 – What worked before

Low carb, plus one fruit and several vegetables each day
Exercise every day around 4pm
Change pre-dinner food to lower calorie, low carb foods, no wine

Key # 3 – My excuses

Health issues, injuries
My stomach hurts
Stress with writing
Meals out, people wanting me to join them
Injuries that limited exercise

Key # 4 – My finish line

Incentive: Smaller jeans, my “island dress”

My picture: At healthy weight, stomach is flatter, clothes fit well, better energy, more confidence, stay motivated for exercise and fitness

Me at the finish line: Running, playing tennis and golf, great energy, enjoying good health

Key # 5 – My roadblocks

Need for nurturing, comfort leads me to wine, snacks, desserts
Not motivated for exercise
People when we are eating out, celebrating, enjoying restaurant dinners with husband

Key # 6 – My support people

Husband, sisters, my writing, my blog

Key # 7 – How I will learn and grow forever

Take yoga class
Personal trainer at health club
Do more writing, study in my field

Emotional Eating #10 – I don’t feel a thing

BoxRemember how easily your emotions came when you were a child?

You rolled around on the floor when you laughed and you never worried about whether you looked silly.

When you fell and skinned your knee, you wailed loudly and cried hot tears. You screamed in anger when your brother threw your favorite doll in the mud. [Read more…]