Successfully Slim Secrets Shhh!

When I began compiling the key elements of what successful slimmers did compared to those who were not so successful, as a dietitian, I thought it was going to be primarily about their food choices. Food is a major component of why people gain weight and struggle to keep it off. But one of the main keys to managing your weight and keeping it off is how you choose to manage stress!

Instead of using food as a panacea for their life’s problems and stresses, successfully slim people choose alternative ways to manage stress or boredom or any uncomfortable ‘feeling’ situation in their lives.

The other elements – food and exercise AND sleep are also key to becoming and remaining successfully slim and healthy. Here is a quick checklist to get you going.

The first section holds the 5 major players in being successfully slim:

WHAT ARE YOU EATING FOR? Before you eat something, take a second to notice if it’s hunger that is driving your decision to eat or another ‘feeling’. If it’s not ‘hunger’, ask yourself “what is driving me to food?” and look at the reason you are feeling that way and how you can peacefully address it. It is much better to do something to resolve the cause rather than trying to smother it with food. Healthy and successfully slim people manage and resolve their negative emotions without turning to food.
CHOOSE foods wisely when you are hungry and make sure they can pass through these 3 filters
FOCUS on making tiny, easy steps rather than quantum leaps in lifestyle. Eg drink half a glass of water extra each day, walk one extra minute or an extra telegraph pole or house, leave 1 teaspoon of food on your plate. Small changes today will create positive lifestyle patterns you can maintain.
TIME FOR YOU - look at your day and make sure there is something in it you enjoy that is NOT associated with food. It may be 10 quiet minutes somewhere peaceful, having a relaxing shower or bath, reading an article in a quiet place – anything that has you feel you are nourishing yourself.
NOTICE

HOW are you FEELING? - if you are feeling more ‘alive’ and ‘happier’ with yourself and life - you are on track.
HOW are your clothes FITTING? - Are you finding it a little easier to do up a zipper? Do your clothes seem a little looser? This is a better test than your scales.

These 2 ‘measures’ are the best indicators of whether your choices are taking you in the direction of your goals. Scales only create a negative focus – so ditch them and tune into how you are feeling and how your clothes are fitting. Healthy, slim people don’t weigh themselves or focus on their weight. They focus on how they feel and how their clothes fit.

Eat a rainbow – the more natural colour you have – from vegetables and fruit – the better.
Plan and prepare what you are going to eat and STICK to it!
Eat a healthy breakfast before 10am!
Eat only when you are hungry.
Portions – think about the quantity you are putting on your plate.
Eat only until you are satisfied – it’s ok to leave something on the plate if your hunger is satisfied.
Water is the best answer for thirst.

Practise some form of relaxation and ‘quiet time’ - Meditation, journal writing, or just relaxing in a favourite place.
Immerse yourself in something you love – reading, writing, meditating, playing an instrument, craft, music – for 15 minutes a day.
Look at what you are grateful for.
Nature, animals or playing with a child allows you to centre yourself again and realise that the best things in life are simple and free.

Find some form of movement you would be happy to sustain for 20 minutes a day, most days and DO IT.
Exercise at a regular time – mornings, before the day begins and other things take priority.
Look for extra opportunities to move more.
Vary the intensity of your exercise as you get fitter.
Remember to go to bed early if you are getting up earlier! Sleep is important for regenerating yourself.
Strength training will increase your metabolism so you burn kilojoules all day and night.
Add variety into your routine, so you and your muscles don’t get bored.
Use exercise as a stress releaser.
Keep an exercise diary.

Look for the best in the people who are significant in your life and tell them.