Think Your Way Slim!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We often know that there are people, places, times and circumstances that trigger our eating or can prove to be the stumbling blocks to our success and that we can’t rely upon food, will-power and our surgery for success. Our guest post today from the bariatric surgeon and expert Dr Sally Norton encourages us to identify these and then act …

 

THINK YOUR WAY SLIM

Dr Sally Norton, NHS Weight Loss Consultant & Surgeon and founder of www.vavista.com & www.vavista-awards.com talks you through the four simple things you need to think about for a successful weight-loss journey.

 

We know we need to cut back on the poor quality, nutritionally deplete, heavily processed foods if we are to lose weight. But that can have us relying on willpower which we know doesn’t work for long. However, we are creatures of habit and there are certain situations or times when we can be strong and may not even think about food at all…and then others where we just dive into a packet of chocolate biscuits without a moment’s hesitation. If we can identify those danger areas we may be able to avoid the inevitable response…

 

So what should we look out for?  –  Easy to remember – the four W’s:

 

WHO – There is often a certain person around whom you eat much less healthily. It could be that they have a habit of suggesting you get another bottle of wine, or order a dessert. Or perhaps they’re the person in the office who always brings in irresistible cakes and biscuits that you struggle to say no to. Try to get them on board with your healthier eating too – otherwise, be forewarned and avoid!

WHERE – Is there a certain place where your healthy eating habits are most-tested? A coffee shop on the way to work? Re-route. Going out to restaurants? Check the menu online in advance and plan your choices so you are less swayed by temptation when you’re there. The staff canteen where the stodgy option is the cheapest? Take a healthy but delicious lunch to work with you.

WHY – Far too many of us simply don’t pay any attention to the reasons why we eat – are we actually hungry? Or is it that we’re stressed, bored, angry? Taking a moment to stop and ask yourself that question before you tuck in may help you understand your eating patterns a bit more – and perhaps you can find a different way to deal with the emotion.

WHEN – Finally, when are your danger times for giving in to those less-than-healthy cravings? Do you find yourself reaching for a sugary treat at work at around 2/3pm – otherwise known as the mid afternoon slump? More than likely you have had a sugary or processed lunch and sent your sugar levels awry. Opt instead for slow release energy from protein, wholegrains, healthy fats and veg.
Have you eaten enough during the day or do you come home ravenous? Have a snack mid-afternoon to avoid those fridge raids as you walk in the door. Do you tend to pick in the evenings after your meal? Find a means of distraction – or start getting to bed earlier and get a really good night’s sleep which will help you make healthier choices the next day too.

 

It’s all pretty obvious when you think about – but so many people think they can just cut back on food and rely on willpower to lose weight. Unless you understand your ‘who, where, why and when’ weak spots, your willpower will fail you – guaranteed!