Staying Motivated on Your Jump Start to a New Body! 

Kris Reid   Body Makeover Expert

Navigating Weight Loss Obstacles: Part 3

There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into sun. — Pablo Picasso

     In previous navigating weight loss obstacles Inspirations, we discussed two more challenges to success and some ways of overcoming them.  Part I dealt with social obligations and boredom as common obstacles to weight loss success.  Part II was about forgetfulness and emotional upheaval.  Now let’s talk about something that challenges everyone, and caused me to gain twenty pounds after losing forty-five two years before: Holidays! 

     I remember the year 2000 as the year I regained control of my health and weight.  I was always athletic, competing at college level football and professional level combat sports.  However, although I was in exceptional conditioning and strong as a moose, I did not have the body I wanted.  That is because biochemistry is more complicated than just burning more calories than you eat.  You’ll be able to learn about that in our upcoming Body Makeover Jump Start Tools program.  Look for it soon!

     For now, let’s just survive the holidays.  Holidays can be a trying time if you are hoping to lose weight or get healthy.  I found that out the hard way one Thanksgiving when I decided I would just let it all go.  After turkey day, instead of getting back on track, I used one of the oldest excuses in the book: I am only going to blow it again at Christmas. Then I used it again: “I’m only going to blow it at New Year’s.”  I did this until Valentines Day, until the day my staff asked me if I was going for 300.  I give specific guidelines to people trying to get healthy and I was not exactly leading by example. 

     So what do I do during the holidays now?  First, I remember that holidays are not about food!  It is about family and friends.  I also re-write my goals and purpose statement in my journal, before I go to family functions.  I even take my journal on my trip with a picture of my body as I want it to be taped to the inside front cover.  If  I’m staying with friends or family, I talk them into going to the gym with me, or I will do a quick workout in the morning before everyone is awake, or before I go to bed.  Turkey is great and so are potatoes and veggies.  Really, those are great dieting foods!  However, butter, sour cream, condensed milk, and HUGE portions make these unhealthy and bad weight-loss foods.  I stay away from foods that are high in sugar and fat and I hang around the veggie section of the table.  If appetizers are coming around, I politely say, “I’m full, thank you.”  Sometimes I will flirt with the girls with the trays so that it isn’t about the food. Lol. I may also flirt with the guys so that they stop bringing the trays over.  

     Do you remember a holiday season that was full of food and merriment?   Would it have been just as merry without the food?  Of course!  Holidays can be a great excuse, or another five pounds less that you have to lose!  Now take your yellow dot, and create the body you have always wanted.