Happy New Year! School doesn’t start until tomorrow for us, but I just can’t put off the inevitable any longer. Yes, I’ve started my diet today. When you have kids in the house that’s easier said than done, of course. My biggest downfall has always been leftovers and the tempting ‘after school treats’ in the cupboard. So I asked celebrity fitness guru Nicki Waterman for some motivation tips to keep me going. (Don’t forget Nicki is one of our experts if you want to ask her anything.)
‘Losing weight is a slow process,’ Nicki says. ‘It entails real lifestyle changes and it doesn't happen overnight. You've a higher chance at keeping the weight off if you lose it slowly and healthily. If you go for a slow, sensible and healthy weight loss of 1 lb per week, you won't even feel the pain of doing it and the weight will come off and stay off for good. And try to find a fitness buddy so you can help motivate each other.’ Here some more of Nicki’s top tips:
* Set a Sensible Weight Loss Target
Don't set unrealistic goals, such as losing 30 lbs in two months, as it's going to overwhelm you. Just focus on your health and create sensible eating strategies – set smaller, achievable goals, like losing 5 lbs or going down by one dress size. You’ll feel more at ease and confident of achieving your goals.
*Measure Yourself All Over
I mean measure literally all over- your bust, waist, hips, thighs, butt and upper arms. Take down all "vital" measurements. Every two weeks or a month, re-measure yourself. Every 0.5 inch lost will do wonders for you.
* Setbacks? No Big Deal!
‘You're bound to give in to temptation from time to time. It's OK. No big deal. Just don't let a single splurge become an all-out binge. Don't perceive it as a failure and an excuse to forgo all your effort…..When you slip up, so what? Forget it! Carry on with your diet plan!
*Reward Yourself
Dieting is hard work and no fun sometimes. Hence, little rewards along the way can serve as incentives to keep you going. Set mini-goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Reward could be a massage, a pair of designer sport shoes, a new pair of jeans, a hot bubble bath……When you celebrate your diet success in this way, you strengthen your resolve to continue on.
*Know your fitness personality
Are you a morning or night person? An outdoor or indoor person? A social person or a loner? Do you love or hate loud music? Do you need an instructor to motivate you? Or do you like a machine to do it? Once you have determined your fitness “personality,” it will be easier for you to select the right programme for you.
Great tips. By the way, if you’re thinking of joining a slimming club, don’t forget you can get £10 back for your kids through KidStart from Weight Watchers. Simply click here for more info.
Good luck with your diet – and do let me know how you’re getting on!
written by Liz Jarvis