It’s almost the end of February and I’ve noticed there’s more space again at the gym, in the Body Balance classes, and on the walkways by the beach and in the bush. The same pattern happens every year. It’s sad to think how many women are now feeling bad about themselves, because they haven’t followed through on their promises to themselves. Is that you, or someone close to you? Let’s look at some reasons why and tips on how to move forward more easily.
Changing habits can be hard work because the underlying reasons for the old habits haven’t changed. For example, 2013 was a year of death and destruction for me & mine. I stacked on weight in the second half, quite easily thanks to lots of comfort eating and drinking, and very low energy levels which drastically reduced my usual exercise routine. I lost my cheekbones!
From 1 October I started a diet which cut out all that I had become intolerant to, including caffeine, alcohol, sugar, gluten, red meat, cow dairy. I found it not too difficult to stick to as I was so over feeling like the proverbial, but I only released a couple of kilos. (Imagine how thrilled I was about that!) Those kg I put back on in Germany in November, thanks to loads of yummy goat cheeses and the best gluten free bread in the world. A fine effort of zero portion control!
In January I did some head trash clearing on myself, with help from other experts, and I promptly shed 6 kilos in 5 weeks. My cheekbones are back! The remaining extra four are on their way out too. The difference was I started being kinder to myself and focussing on all the fabulous things in my life now, and in the future. (Surprise!) I’m gradually increasing what I do in my daily exercise sessions, aiming not to need an afternoon nap!
Self talk = self programming, so when that doesn’t change, you are guaranteed to struggle. I tuned in on what I was saying to myself about food, I mean, raw nuts are great, but only in moderation! What do you say to yourself as you hover in front of the pantry, the fridge, the supermarket shelves? It’s a real eye/ear opener once you tune in!
What about exercise? What’s your default self-talk about: too tired, too hard, uncomfortable, boring, embarrassing, not fun, not enough time, can’t because of kids, spouse, work ?
You know when you let yourself down you feel bad and then it all spirals down, compounded by the associated ill health, low energy and impatience with kids, spouse, work. Conversely, when you feel better about yourself it gets easier, then you feel even better about yourself and very quickly you’re on that upward spiral to happy days!
Here are some tips to help you get on track:
1. Be aware of your self-talk, and recognise it as self-programming.
2. Praise yourself for noticing that self-talk.
3. Switch the story – change your channel.
4. Find easy ways to include your new choice into your daily routine. E.g. stop buying crap.
5. Commit to ‘at least’ 28 days. You can form a new habit in 28 days only if the expectation is to continue for life, not counting down the days until you can stop. That attitude implies you are being punished, or that it’s someone else’s requirement, not your choice. Go for life!
6. Be brave, ask for help. You don’t have to struggle alone. Actually, you don’t have to struggle! You know where to find me, Sue Lester.
If you prefer a structured weight management program that includes nutritional education, cooking classes, and dealing with your psychological relationship with food, I recommend you contact a dear friend I greatly admire, Lisa Cutforth, and check out her Size Fantastic program on this link http://sizefantastic.com.au/
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