Did you know that about 80% of all New Year’s resolutions are abandoned for Valentine’s Day? That’s about six weeks. And what’s worse, these resolutions are often repeated and then abandoned again the following year.
WHY?
Because it’s fun to imagine a skinny, healthy tea – a sexier version wearing that little black dress or tight tuxedo. But, unfortunately, unless you’re willing to put yourself to work (eat better and exercise), this fantasy will remain just that – a nice New Year’s Eve fantasy.
Start losing weight today
Instead of waiting until midnight to make serious lifestyle changes, why not start earlier? Like now. I know, it seems crazy to start a diet plan right before the vacations, but if you are serious about losing weight, feeling better and more energetic, and want to make healthier dietary choices (which still includes that occasional piece of pumpkin pie), then why wait?
It’s not easy to commit to losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan. You’ll need to find a diet plan that works for you (whether it’s adhering to a weight loss plan of a meal plan, preparing fresh food yourself, tracking calories, etc.) and doing at least 20-30 minutes of exercise every day (well, at least three to five days a week).
According to psychological studies in the U.S. and the U.K., most people take between 21 and 66 days to form new habits or routines (so don’t even think about giving up those New Year’s resolutions before Valentine’s Day). But once you get past that routine building plateau, you’ll find that diet and exercise become a fun and rewarding challenge every day.
This doesn’t mean that you won’t have days when you’ll want to eat a few strips of bacon, donuts or breakfast sandwiches from your favorite fast food or that you’ll be tempted to skip a workout or two, but creating a regular routine helps enormously to maintain a steady weight loss.
Advantages of getting into the groove of the diet during the vacations
Developing a diet and exercise routine before the vacations may seem pointless, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Although most of us are bombarded with sweets, hot cakes, apple cider, hot chocolate and pie (love the pie) between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, those of us who are dedicated to diet and exercise have the will power to limit what we eat.
With the support of a daily routine, you can say “Yes!” to a cookie or two, that hot mocha coffee, or a smaller piece of apple pie. The point is not to deny yourself, but rather to embrace smaller portions. In other words, avoid that big cappuccino and settle for a tall (or small) cappuccino.
Another advantage that people often overlook when sticking to a diet and exercise during the vacations is the variety of foods you can enjoy. Keep in mind that the key word is SAMPLE. Imagine your dining room table, your mother-in-law’s living room buffet or the 7-course Thanksgiving party in your favorite restaurant.
Now imagine being able to eat a bite or two of EVERYTHING instead of having to choose your food carefully and having to deny yourself the highlights of the feast, such as cranberry sauce or sweet potato stew.
Here’s a trick: Take a plate and fill it with small bites of any food you love. I guarantee that since you have started your routine, you will be full and satisfied. Your body, mind and attitude towards food have changed – this means that you will feel happy (and maybe even full) after a plate of food.
For an additional incentive, consider how much you ate during previous Thanksgivings – two, three (maybe four) dishes? If this is not positive proof that starting your dietary journey now instead of waiting until after the New Year is the right thing to do, I don’t know what is. Have a good trip.
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