 Plan now for '09 weight loss
Right now, many people are coping with the consequences of their holiday indulgences. Sometimes, a plan to indulge just a little bit can turn into a two-month long free-for-all. Inevitably, payback time eventually comes and it can feel pretty painful. It can feel a bit like the morning after a crazy night. Many people find themselves promising that they won’t do it again next year.
We all want to enjoy our holidays and there is no reason we shouldn't. We also know that there are ways to keep a handle on that enjoyment. The problem is that when we are in proximity of holiday temptations, we suffer temporary amnesia regarding our recovery efforts from the previous season.
So, right now is the time to plan for next year. When you have a little bit of time, find a quiet place where you can reflect on where you are now and where you want to be this time next year. Here are a few things you might want to focus on:
How do you feel right now? It’s okay to feel sad thoughts. Let them motivate you. Meditate on them a little and perhaps journal them for later review. Tell yourself what you don’t like about how you feel, remember that you don’t want to be here again.
Think through all that you did or didn't do that got you to this place. Make a list. Did you drink too much alcohol and lose your inhibitions regarding food? Did you bake too many cookies causing you to eat more than you gave away?
Take each item on your list and determine how you can fix it next time. Write it down. If you have the ability, create an automatic email reminder for October 1st of every year. If not, make a calendar notation to review your notes on that date.
Keep a running commentary. Add notes each January about what you learn, what works and what doesn't in future years. Add thoughts that occur to you throughout the year that may be useful.
I have done this form of review myself for the last three years. Each year I make changes based on my experiences and each year I am more successful in meeting my goals. And keep in mind that your goals may differ from year to year. Some years you may want to continue on a weight-loss plan while other years you may feel okay with allowing yourself a modest gain. You may also have non-weight specific goals such as avoiding post-holiday depression or sugar withdrawal.
Whatever your goals are for January 2009, you've got a nice “fresh start” opportunity to start working on them. Take advantage of it, and good luck to you.
Until next time, stay healthy and be happy.
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