Last Friday my client weighed in at his lowest weight ever! So exciting. Just a few more to go for his goal weight. This is a wonderful client who I have been working with for years, meet him weekly and very slowly but surely the weight is coming off. He has made fantastic changes in his lifestyle to achieve his goals. I am beyond proud and impressed with him.
So what does he do after this exciting news? He goes and rewards himself with a few extra glasses of bourbon and gains a few pounds back! I wanted to strangle him! Now is this the end of the world? Of course not. However, why work so hard just to screw it up? Why take baby steps forward for months and then a solid jump back? Why?
Disclaimer – my client is fully aware that I am writing this email as an ode/rant to him and we are still friends…
So what can you do to stay on track?
- Most importantly, accept that while these behavior changes will be difficult and different, you have to create a plan that doesn’t make you feel constantly deprived. If we are relying on willpower, it is not going to work in the long run.
- Set yourself for success. All the time, but especially the weekends. Look at menus before you go to restaurants, eat some protein and fat before you leave the house so you do not walk into a social event starving and have some snacks in your bag/car so you are always prepared.
- A weight loss plan likely includes decreasing your alcohol consumption. Not eliminating, but decreasing. Consider not drinking as much as you are used to or as much as everyone else. I know it is difficult at first but you would be amazed how much it is simply a habit. Next time, have one less drink than normal and see how it goes.
- Go ahead and reward yourself! Just find something that will not sabotage your health and wellness goals. Get a massage, go for a hike, buy that goodie you have had your eye on – do anything to keep you moving forward.
All right everyone – Happy Friday and have a great weekend. And to my fantastic client…you know who you are…I will see you Monday!!!