Today - Hot off the Eating Coach presses...

Do something Friday

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 03:30 AM PDT

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." ~ Dalai Lama

You'll catch more flies with honey than you will with vinegar.  Have you ever noticed that doesn't seem to be the pervading wisdom for losing weight?  Apparently, our culture thinks shame, guilt, and berating are the appropriate methods for motivating loved ones, strangers, and ourselves into losing weight.

When your  boss repeatedly comes in and yells at you, you may be motivated to do what he asks in the short term but you probably won't invite him to the staff Christmas party you're hosting at your home.  You won't want him around and he probably won't get your best work out of you.

Is that the kind of relationship you want with yourself?  Does yelling, berating, belittling and making yourself feel guilty really make you more effective managing your weight?  No?!  Then give it up. 

This weekend, make an extra effort to be kind to yourself.  Practice patience with yourself.  Counter the negative talk with positive, actionable weight management plans and then execute on those plans.  Use the weekend to jump start your weight loss as a way to be good to yourself.

Doing one thing well

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 03:16 AM PDT

Leo (at Zen Habits) recently wrote a post entitled Do One Thing Well.  On his blog, he talks about simplicity and doing work you love.

He advice has the ring of truth to it, though, for us, as well.

Think of the weakest spot in your eating behaviors.  For many people, it is the time after dinner when they sit down to watch TV.  Pretty soon, they're in the kitchen scavenging for ice cream, salty or crunch snack and the snacking goes on until bedtime.

99.9% of the time, this is a boredom or habit driven behavior.  You may think you like it...and you really may...but could you make one small change (do something really well) and kick start your weight loss?

It has been my experience with clients, that what they enjoy in that snacking mode, is the behavior --- not the food.

If you're looking for the most bang for the least buck -- find a weak spot in your eating behaviors and alter it.  You don't have to do everything perfectly -- just do one thing well!