You’ve read it hundreds of times. Rinse, wash, repeat. Though the secret is that the directions originated from the marketing department at one of the shampoo companies. They realized that they could sell twice as much shampoo if they just told us to wash twice at a time! Well, if you approach your exercise program the same way you’ll quickly double your calorie consumption.
TODAY: EXERCISE, RELAX, REPEAT.
You may have noticed that you weren’t as hungry at “meal time” since we started Daylight Saving Time. But you’ll likely adapt to eating earlier easier than waking up earlier. Just try and use that reduced appetite to reduce a few calories. You can still satisfy the cravings that come later with a nice piece of fruit or high fiber cereal AFTER you take a walk in the daylight that is left at the end of your day.
TODAY: RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT TO EAT LESS AND EXERCISE MORE.
We’re into the first week of DST. (Unless you live in Arizona or Indiana) I love it. I can cook dinner on the grill, play with the dog and still see the glow of the sun fade, even after staying at work until almost 7:00. I know, we “lose” an hour of sleep, but we quickly adapt to that. Getting that precious daylight at the end of the day makes it easier to get some exercise in. It should also give you one less excuse.
So spring forward with your diet and get walking.
TODAY: TAKE AN EVENING WALK.
This wraps up Half Week. I hope you have seen a difference from cutting down on portions. If nothing else you may no understand that you can be “full” when you eat less. That’s half of our goal! To lose weight you need only to eat less and exercise more. Just because our dedicated Half Week has ended doesn’t mean you stop. Keep eating half portions. That may take some help. Because people around you can unknowingly undermine your efforts by enticing you to eat more, or have a tasty snack. “You’ve been so good, it won’t hurt.” Yes it will. That’s a step backward.
Let those around you know that you are dieting. Have them understand that they can help you with encouragement and by not leading you into temptation. (Sounds familiar.) Without them on your side as well, you don’t have a prayer.
TODAY: ASK THOSE CLOSE TO YOU TO HELP KEEP YOU ON A DIET AND EXERCISE PLAN. YOU CAN EVEN INVITE THEM TO PARTICIPATE AS WELL. TO START, ENCOURAGE THEM TO SIGN UP FOR THE DIET NAG TOO.
The temptation at the beginning of every year is to try and change all of your habits at once. That’s a recipe for failure. Take it easy, make just a few healthy changes, like drinking more water and getting up and moving at least 10 minutes a day. Even 10 minutes can seem like a long time when you haven’t been doing anything. That’s the first step, and every step adds up.
TODAY: CUT BACK ON HOW MUCH YOU EAT AND GET MOVING.
If you don’t get time to do a full workout, don’t give up. You only need 30 minutes a day, and it doesn’t have to all be at once. It only takes a mere 10 minutes at a time. Start with 10 when you wake up. 10 at lunch. And the last 10 in the evening, while watching TV is fine, or take a walk after dinner with your spouse or ride your bike with the kids. You may even have a basketball hoop at your house that has been ignored for a while. Take a few shots and dribble away some calories.
You get the idea. Now get motivated for a few minutes.
TODAY: GET 30 MINUTES OF EXERCISE.
I’ve told you about setting small goals. It starts you on your way to success and feeds your self esteem without feeding your belly. With the weekend here, take an hour today and go to the park. Any park will do, but maybe try one you haven’t been to in a long time… or ever. It will be good exercise and good for your brain as well. Explore, exercise and enjoy. It’s good for you in more ways than one.
TODAY: GO TO A PARK AND WALK.
Daily Nag, Exercise | Diet Nag | 
March 23, 2011 6:21 am | 
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