Let's Get Back On Track

Almost everyone overeats and under exercises at Christmas. Yes, thin people do it too. So don't feel you are a failure if you have put on a few pounds.

And if you want to change your shape, starting off a new regime in midwinter is not easy.

Now I know I have some Antipodean readers - so if you are in Australia, no excuses, I know it is your summer!

For the rest of us, a better time to transform your life is the spring. When the days start getting longer, the sap is rising and the buds are bursting etc., etc. It's much easier then to be energetic about change.

But it's a good idea after the holiday to do a mental 'detox' and decide what you are going to do differently this year.

Here are some pointers to get you going in 2009.

• Resolve now to get back to healthy eating. Smaller portions, not too much stodge, plenty of water, plenty of salads, veg and fruit. Starting today, give way or throw away your last holiday leftovers. Better off going to waste than going to waist.
• Get some exercise. Find a safe way of exercising for the weather in your locality. Aim to do several days a week, not just when the mood hits you. Set yourself a realistic starting target and stick to your plan. Exercise only works when you do it - sitting thinking about it is less successful!
• Set a goal to build up your health and fitness level, not just to lose weight. Between January and March if you eat sensibly and exercise regularly you'll be building up your muscles and getting your metabolism going. When the spring sunshine does arrive you'll have shaken off the winter sludge and be ready to zoom into summer!

Doing the weighing and measuring (see weight loss tips in January's newsletter) will give you the motivation you need to get you started. Now build on that and determine to be fitter and healthier by spring.

And let me know what your targets are, so you can be accountable for the changes you are making. One of my clients is running in the London marathon (more of that in future newsletters) so she has made a decision to be accountable for her fitness - what are your goals for this year?

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