Staying Committed - Part II
Talk about it.
Many of us are closet eaters. Bringing our problems with food into the open and discussing them with a counselor, therapist or friend can help us to get control of our eating.
Join a support group.
Some organizations have proven track records of success. Having a common goal and sharing your ups and downs with others can keep you on the path to permanent weight loss.
Be your own cheer-leader.
Line the walls with motivational quotes - inspiring words can spur people on to great accomplishments.
Make a list of reasons you want to be thinner.
Better health, better appearance etc. Then hang this up where you can see it as a daily reminder of why you are doing this.
Make love - not brownies.
Many of us eat because we can't get what we really want - a hug. Lovemaking is an aerobic sport. Encourage your spouse to participate in this worthy weight loss activity.
Don't equate food with caring.
From the time we are children, our parents and grandparents showed their love for us with chocolate rabbits at Easter, cake on our birthdays and ice-cream if we ate our dinner. This is why so many of us overload on comfort foods when we are stressed or upset. We need to find another way to nurture ourselves.
Don't blame others for your eating.
Your boss gave you a bad review. Your kids wouldn't clean up their rooms. We can come up with a million people to blame. But nobody can knowck you off your diet but you. Take charge of your life.
Cheat a little.
Follow your eating program religiously during the week and then take the weekend off. This works for many people and gives them the break they need to stick with the plan. But other people need an all-or-nothing approach. Taking the whole weekend off would just be an excuse to go on a binge. Instead, you might try one splurge of meal or snack a week. Don't give yourself free rein with uour danger foods, though. (I can't have one cookie without eating five.)
Try, try again.
Just because you gave in to temptation is no excuse to give up. You never really fail until you quit for good. Some law students have to take the bar two or three times before they pass. You might have to commit to your weight loss program three or four times - or more - before you start to see lasting results.
Get a life.
Many people live to eat instead of eating to live. It is the most important part of their whole day. Get other people and other interests into yout life so that you don't just focus on food. If you get busy living, you will have far less time to eat.
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