Yes, you guessed it. Americans resolve to lose weight.
So it's not out of the question to assume this
resolution may be on your list for 2006? If so, please
keep in mind that achieving your health and fitness
goals is not a day-to-day, week-to-week or
month-to-month endeavor. The key to keeping this New
Year's resolution is changing your lifestyle.
Although the term "weight loss" is the hot button, we
believe fat loss is the real issue. In order to lose
excess body fat, you must take care of your body and
nurture your emotional state as well. So it is important
to remember as fat is lost, you should also help
yourself gain self-esteem. Don't put your self-esteem on
a weight loss plan. Below are some practical tips to
effective fat loss and esteem enhancement.
1.Take some time to learn. Don't be a "dense dieter." Of
course, we suggest one of the original lifestyle diets,
the Zone Diet. As creator of this world famous way of
living and eating, Dr. Barry Sears has written 11
Zone-related books and many include easy recipes. Buy a
Zone book and try the recipes on your family! Get
yourself into the nutritional state of mind. Becoming
knowledgeable will help you to internalize a healthy
lifestyle you can follow with sincere understanding and
confidence.
2. Although weighing yourself is important, it's more
important to let your clothes speak for themselves.
Monitor how your clothes are fitting you. That's much
more gratifying and less defeating.
3. If you were thinner in earlier years of your life,
keep your slim pictures taped to your mirrors and carry
one in your wallet. Take pictures of yourself every
month and put them in a scrapbook. It's important to
have a realistic view of your soon-to-be self.
4. Don't throw away that old pair of jeans that fit a
little too tight. Keep them around because one day, you
will slide into them. No more tugging and squeezing. Set
a realistic date for trying on the old jeans so you
aren't disappointed.
5. Beware of the binge. Don't set yourself up for
failure, which can play havoc with self-esteem. Have a
healthy snack in between meals that will keep you
satisfied so you're less likely to overeat at the next
full meal. We suggest eating one-half of an OmegaZone
Meal Replacement Bar. Trust us, you will be less likely
to stop at your favorite fast food joint for a double
cheese burger and super fries.
6. Select an exercise program that you look forward to
doing. This could mean taking a belly dancing class,
running with your dog, or participating in group sports.
Do something you love while burning calories. What could
be better for the body or the spirit!
7. Add "superfoods" to your diet; such as, nuts and
seeds, beans and sprouts and green foods. Get into the
habit of buying them and jazz up your diet and the
nutritional profile of the your recipes as well.
8. Keep a diet journal. Watch your goals materialize on
paper as you write. Write down your tendencies, your
exercise routines, your meals, your favorite recipes and
your progress. It will work wonders for your mind and
your body!
9. Don't forget to reward yourself for a job well done.
Buy a fabulous new outfit each time you drop a size. Get
a manicure. Treat yourself to a special day in May or
June to a spa treatment or a day on the golf course
during working hours. Nurture the artist in yourself and
treat yourself to a museum. Pat yourself on the back for
all the hard work
