Archive for October, 2012
Six Must-Have Accountability Partners for Do-It-Yourself Weight Loss
1. The Digital Scale
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That’s right! The scale IS YOUR NUMBER ONE accountability partner. Every morning (after you use the bathroom and before you eat or drink anything), get naked and hop on the scale with great anticipation of your success.
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EVERY. MORNING. Why? Because you’ll start making healthier choices in your every day life when you know you’re weighing-in every morning.
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2. The Competitive Buddy
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Find one. This is a person you know who is already working towards a goal you’d like to achieve. She’s doing the lifestyle-changing work you know you SHOULD be doing.
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Let her know you’re starting to do the same. Tell her you’re proud of what she’s accomplished, and mean it. Then, look forward to showing off your fabulous self the next time you see her.
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3. The Weight-Loss Goal
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Specific, measurable…blah, blah, blah. No. Think BIG PICTURE here. What do YOU want to weigh? And WHEN do you want to be at your IDEAL weight? Choose your weight. Choose your date.
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4. The Weight-Loss Reward
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Bribery works. Have FUN with it! Ask yourself this question: When I reach my ideal weight by my CHOSEN DATE, how do I want to reward myself?
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Then get your reward all set-up to enjoy. Go out and buy a “goal shirt” or “goal pants” and hang them in your closet so you see them every day. Schedule that boudoir session, day at the spa, hair cut and color, sky dive experience, or whatever your weight-loss reward may be on your CHOSEN DATE.
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(Chosen date = date you will reach your ideal weight.)
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5. The Cheerleader
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ALWAYS 100% on your side and constantly telling you how great you’re doing. And you’re going to need this person because being so damn critical of yourself is a hard habit to break. It’s time to upgrade that inner voice. Authentically. Cheerleaders of choice? Your significant other, your best friend, and your Facebook peeps.
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Be brave and let them in on your weight-loss goal/ideal weight, chosen date, and weight-loss reward. Tell them that you need them to tell you how great you’re doing (after all, no one here is a mind-reader). They’ll be singing you praises left and right.
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6. The In-Your-Face Progress Board
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Ok, board is a little extravagant. Half of an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper will do the trick. But, we’re DIY-ers here, so let’s be honest. You’re going to fancy-up this progress board. (You creative diva, you.)
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Here’s the In-Your-Face Progress Board must-track details:
- Heading with: your start date, starting weight, ideal weight, your chosen date
~ - Subhead with: your total number of pounds to lose, the number of pound you need to lose every week to reach your ideal weight by your chosen date, and the number of pounds you need to lose every day to reach your idea weight by your chosen date
~ - Then make a row for every day between your start date and your chosen date. In every row include:
- The day’s date
- The day’s goal weight (i.e. the weight you need to be TODAY in order to reach your ideal weight on schedule)
- Your actual weight
