your diet or your life
16/3/09
10:18
Page 2
YOUR DIET OR
your life? If you’re stuck on a continuous loop of putting things off until you’re slimmer, take control, and stop your size from ruling your life
T
here’s a saying that goes ‘Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today’, and this is all too true in the dieting world. Of course, there’s never going to be a perfect time to take
action, but often enough, it’s all too easy to delay starting a new regime by giving in to various self-limiting beliefs. Whatever your excuses may be, adopting a positive attitude and focusing on realist goals can help keep you on track. Weight-loss doesn’t happen overnight, but, when you do start seeing results, it can be the ultimate motivator to get you to where you want to be. Remember, there is no real reason to put your slimming plans on hold. It’s time to summon up that deep-down strength that we all have and make some changes once and for all!
44 SLIM AT HOME
your diet or your life
16/3/09
10:18
Page 3
emotions
“Squeezing into a tiny aeroplane seat will be so humiliating” Does going on a break raise all sorts of body image hang-ups like, ‘What will I wear on the beach?’ or, ‘How am I going to hide my wobbly bits in a bikini?’ A summer holiday can boost your mind and body, and it’s a great time to recharge your batteries.
EXPERTS’ ADVICE Georgina says: “Work out how much weight you need to lose in order to get on that plane, then determine how long it will realistically take you to reach your goal. Plan how you’re going to do it, and book a flight for that deadline.” Benjamin says: “If you really want to lose weight then don’t make excuses, make a decision to change your attitude, and get started. If you need some motivation, look back at some old holiday photographs, sometimes visual aids work wonders.”
EXPERTS’ ADVICE
EXPERTS’ ADVICE
Sarah says:
Georgina says:
“If buying a new dress in your goal size is your end
“Why do you need a continual reminder that you are
prize, then also consider all the small steps you are
not at your ideal size? If you’re constantly measuring
Scientists have confirmed what dieters have always
making along the way. For example, divide your
your self-worth based on a pair of old jeans, you’ll
suspected: shopping splurges do not help to keep
total weight-loss goal into easy to manage targets
never be truly happy in your body. Trying to squeeze
you motivated! When you start a new programme,
and plan to reward yourself as you achieve them.
into clothes that don’t fit can set you up for failure.
it’s easy to get carried away and over-indulge in
Perhaps you could treat yourself to some jewellery
It’s much more important to wear something that
some unrealistic retail therapy. Splashing out on
or a pair of new shoes to accessorise the dress?
makes you feel good about yourself.”
impossibly small garments will not help your body
Breaking the task up in this way will help keep you
image or self-esteem. Forcing the zip on a dress
motivated and make your diet rewarding rather than
Jackie says:
that’s two sizes too small will only fuel your anxiety
a tiresome task that you may become resentful of.”
“Weights and sizes should only be used as an
“I’ll treat myself to a new dress when I’m slimmer”
indication that you’re going in the right direction.
and add extra pounds to your body. Georgina says:
Your body shape naturally changes throughout your
“If there is an outfit that you long for, you may find
life, therefore, holding on to old clothes, and
it easier to picture the figure you would need in
measuring your success through them, will only feed
order to look good in it. It’s important to visualise
your inadequacies. Chuck away the jeans, think
yourself as having reached your target. Think about
healthy and just get active.”
how that will make you feel. As the pounds drop off, treat yourself to a new perfume or some glamorous make-up. Imagine the end result, slipping on your new dress and spritzing your fragrance.”
“I’m hanging on to my ‘I-will-fitinto-these-again-someday’ jeans.” Saving clothes that are too small won’t help your diet. All of us have an old garment tucked away in the back of the wardrobe that we strive to wear again one day. Holding on to these items for motivation can be destructive to your weight-loss efforts. If you aim to develop realistic expectations of yourself, you are less likely to damage your self-esteem. SLIM AT HOME 45
your diet or your life
16/3/09
10:18
Page 4
“I won’t look for a new job until I hit my target” Break out of your comfort zone, no matter how hard it might be. After all, looking for a different job or embarking on a new career requires a lot of the same organisation and dedication skills as starting a weight-loss plan. Both of these actions require practice, time and patience.
EXPERTS’ ADVICE Georgina says: “The excitement of change couldn’t be a better catalyst to jump-start a healthy eating and
“I’ll exercise when I’m trimmer” Activity doesn’t have to be daunting. Start off with small, slow steps and gradually build it up, pushing yourself to go a little bit further every time. Find something you enjoy and we guarantee you’ll be more likely to keep it up!
EXPERTS’ ADVICE Jackie says: “If your body weight is affecting your health, selfesteem and ability to carry out everyday tasks, I whole-heartedly say ‘there is no time to waste’. Exercising will help you feel more confident and also
exercise plan. Instead of rejecting new opportunities, grasp them and be optimistic about your success.“ Sarah says: “Take things in small steps. If a new job is too daunting at first, start off with some voluntary work or evening classes. Attempt to perceive a change in career as a further step towards achieving your target weight. Try not to see a new opportunity as a distant ‘dangling carrot’, instead, use exciting prospects as a way to keep staying motivated.”
“I need a special occasion to motivate me” There’s nothing like a looming wedding or birthday to tug on your insecurities. If the thought of seeing old friends and absent family is enough to send you into a diet panic, try using the event to your advantage. Strengthen your resolve by devising a realistic plan with lots of little goals.
“I can’t go out for dinner or socialise until I hit my goal weight” If you put your life on hold, in order to avoid temptation, you’re doomed for failure. By incorporating clever ways to shift the pounds, and adapting your lifestyle slightly, you can carry on enjoying the things you do – and lose weight!
EXPERTS’ ADVICE Georgina says: “If you find that you need some kind of incentive
EXPERTS’ ADVICE
to keep you enthused, then come up with a
Sarah says:
special occasion yourself. How about organising a
“It’s very important to continue to have time out
reunion with some old friends? The thrill of the
and not withdraw from social situations. Otherwise,
event will be a powerful motivational tool.”
your diet can become a mammoth and unsustainable task, which will make you feel
46 SLIM AT HOME
Benjamin says:
miserable and isolated. These days, most
“The starting pistol to weight-loss is your
restaurants accommodate the demand for healthy
conscious choice to take action. Don’t wait for an
eating options. Go out, have fun, then congratulate
excuse to get going. Delaying the action will only
yourself on your menu choices in comparison to
increase the internal fight that you’re going to
what you may have previously eaten. This will lift
have to face.”
your mood and strengthen your motivation.”
your diet or your life
16/3/09
10:18
Page 5
emotions accelerate the loss of calories and inches. You don’t have to go to a gym to exercise, it may start with a walk to the shops. The important thing is to find a type of activity that suits you.” Benjamin says: “Don’t use the word ‘try’. When have you ever succeeded at anything when you ‘tried’? Use the words ‘can’ and ‘will’ instead. It’s amazing how a slight linguistic communication change, can dramatically improve your chances of success. Just because you’ve failed with losing weight in the past, doesn’t programme you to fail in the future.”
Georgina says: “The solution isn’t tossing out all your good
“I’ll leave my destructive relationship when I lose weight.”
intentions and ordering a giant chocolate cake.
MEET THE experts Georgina Burnett is a presenter and life coach. She specialises in
Instead, try planning ahead. Most places have
Having the strength and confidence to leave an
health and is a qualified NLP
samples of their menus online. Arrange,
unhappy partnership takes courage and
practitioner. For more information
beforehand, what you you’re going to order, and
determination, and when you’re feeling low about
click on georginaburnett.com
remember that all the little extras, like portions of
your body image, it can make it seem even harder
garlic bread and olives, will massively increase your
to walk away. But, tackle one issue at a time and
Sarah Jackson is psychotherapist
calorie intake.”
you could find your life panning out more positively.
and expert on mood and anxiety
EXPERT’S ADVICE Georgina says:
disorders. For more information on her online therapy service click on café-therapy.com
“There’s no better time to really enjoy looking after yourself than when you have the newfound
Jackie Diss is a personal fitness
freedom of being single, and, by the time you are
trainer. She has been perfecting
ready to get back out on the market, you’ll be
her beach bum workout for more
feeling your former radiant self. If you are still
than 10 years. For more info visit
reluctant to move on, maybe working on yourself
jdfitness.org.uk
will give a new lease of life to your relationship.” Benjamin Bonetti is the founder Benjamin says:
of Empower Your Life. Slim at
“I'm a believer that you are influenced by those
Home readers can save 50 percent
who you mix with. If you want to lose weight, don’t
off Weight Loss Seminars at
let the people who are part of your environment
empower-your-life.co.uk/slim.htm
drag you down. Be really clear in your mind about what you want, and stick to your decision.” SLIM AT HOME 47