Hi all! Coach Jeri here!
It’s a new year and most of us want to get off to a great start. We are so motivated those first few weeks. We get out the measuring tools, reread program materials, and start tracking. You are determined not to postpone any longer and you are ready to go. Finally realizing that there is no magic cure, just pure discipline.
Some of us have to do it for medical reasons but most just want it to feel better. The important thing is that we are doing it. The way in which we stick with it will totally determine our potential success. Unfortunately, the motivation starts to lessen as old habits can creep in. Recognizing the pitfalls that can lead you down the wrong path is key to persistence and staying on track.
First step is to realize that no one is perfect.
There will be days that you have a little extra or overeat. As long as you don’t let it consume you with guilt you will be okay. Keeping a realistic yet disciplined mindset is going to be key here.
The second step is consistency.
It’s so tempting to stop weighing or measuring or tracking once we’ve gotten the hang of it. If anything, that’s the time to double down. I have heard people say “I know how many BITES it is, so I just mentally keep track”. That’s a decent way to do it, until life hits and you realize it’s been 3 days since you’ve tracked a meal. Let’s be honest, remembering what day it is its own challenge. Remembering what I ate three days ago? No chance! After 15 years I still weigh my chicken.
The third step is keeping a positive mindset.
Power of positive thinking, “I can do this!”. Oh, yes you can! At the end of the day it’s just food. It’s not your identity or worth or value. YOU are those things. Speak these empowerments over yourself into existence.
The three pitfalls that start to weaken our resolve are boredom, hunger and lack of sleep. When boredom sets in, vary up the food. Try new recipes! Getting too tired becomes an excuse to eat whatever is available rather than putting in the effort to prep. If you allow yourself to get too hungry you may end up eating everything in sight.
This whole journey is a dream that a lot of us have had forever (or so it seems). Too many times we stop short of reaping the rewards because of a bump in the road. So next time a pitfall starts to creep in ask yourself, “Am I willing to act on the decision I made to get healthy and lose this weight for good?”. Your destination will be determined by your own efforts and using resources in new ways.
Happy Tracking!
