Getting Back on Track!
Article revised by Jessica Sardelic and Rochelle Trail.
The honeymoon period is over...or should I say the festive season is over. The parties have come and gone, and with them the excess food and beverages that you normally would not consume or at least not in the quantities consumed during the festive time of the year. So now it's time to get back on track with your weight loss goal. The longer you prolong... the harder it will become.
It can be difficult getting back on track once you have stopped especially if you feel like you have gained some weight. You may find that the words 'what's the point' or 'it's too late' come to mind. But remember losing weight is a journey not a quick fix and so it will take time to reach your goals and there will be times when you fall off the band wagon, the most important thing to do is jump right back on.
Before you start you need to get back into the right mind set. Here are some things to consider:
- Think about why you wanted to lose weight in the first place?
- Think of all the hard work you have done with your weight loss up to now and how you do not want to have to begin from the start again if you decide to lose weight in future.
- Believe that you can do it! Because you can!
- Read about other people's success stories to help motivate you.
- Realise that if you don't succeed at first, don't give up, just keep trying!
- Begin again with your partner, a friend or relative to help motivate each other.
- Know that everyone has days where they go off the rails. The difference between being successful and not being successful is that the successful just disregard a bad day or week and get back on track because all is not lost! So why not adopt this attitude.
So now you’re in the right mind set what do you do next?
Follow these eight easy steps to get back on track:
- Visit your Tony Ferguson Practitioner
Go into your nearest Tony Ferguson store and weigh in. This will give you your re-starting weight. Spend time clarifying your goals with your Practitioner. Ask your Tony Ferguson Weightloss Practitioner or give our Call Centre a call on 1800 612 644 and enquire of any Program updates. Get more information about Our Program on our website. - Set Goals
Have another look at your weight loss goals and assess whether they are realistic and achievable. Use a calendar or a diary to set achievable goals along the way to your ultimate goal. A great mini goal is aim to lose 5kg’s in 6 weeks. You may not even want to use kilograms lost as a goal, perhaps a more suitable goal for you would be to fit into those jeans or to be able to run with the kids so set a goal that you can see yourself achieving or something that you feel you can motivate yourself to achieve. - Reward Yourself
Decide on a small non-food related reward to give yourself once you achieve your mini goals. For example a new item of clothing, a hair appointment or pamper pack. To learn more about non-food rewards, read our article: Reward Yourself - You Deserve it! - Go Shopping
Make a shopping list and set aside some time (preferably without the kids) to purchase foods that will set you up to eat well such as summer fruits and vegetables. Include snacks and quick meals to help get you through when you need a snack or a quick meal such as the Tony Ferguson diet jellies, lollies and Easy Meals. Ensure that you are fully stocked up. Then, remove all foods that you need to avoid while on the Weightloss Program. - Recipes
Look at recipe ideas that will provide tasty meal ideas that you can enjoy while on the Program and even family members can enjoy. Try to include at least one new recipe a week from the Tony Ferguson Cookbooks (1, 2, Mini, Seasonal flavours), Tony Ferguson Magazine or on this website. Don’t forget that you can turn your shakes into loved foods such as Banana bread, Chocolate Fudge Brownies or even Trifle (for more ideas, view our shake recipes). So check out these recipes. Here are two of my favourite online recipes: Ricotta filled Steak with Grilled Zucchini and Tomato Salad, Chargrilled Eggplant Bruschetta with Salsa. - Get Supported
Don't be afraid to ask for help or support. Support can come in many forms for example from your family and friends, colleagues at work and from your local Tony Ferguson Practitioner or our Call Centre. Speak to one of our Practitioners at your local Tony Ferguson Weightloss clinic or contact our Call Centre staff on 1800 612 644. For more information on gaining support read our article titled: To Gain Support or Not to Gain Support. - Find an Exercise Buddy
Whilst research seems to show that exercise is not adequate on its own for most people to lose weight there is no doubt it is an important part of any long-term lifestyle plan. The benefits include toning, assisting with stress and wellbeing, and many physiological benefits. I always find when I am exercising I also become more conscious about supporting my body with healthy food. Another thing to consider is including exercise for fun, yes I did say FUN! Think of exercise as not a serious commitment that means hard work but rather a leisure activity that increases variety in your life and with so many different types of activities out there you will be able to find one that you can try whether it is tennis or indoor rock climbing, hiking or boxing classes, yoga or simply walking! Read our article titled: Are You Exercising for FUN? - Let them Eat Cake
Always remember you have Progress! If you don’t want to give up your cake, you don’t have to. Go and speak to your Practitioner and ask them about Progress and all the yummy foods you can still eat while losing weight! Read our information on the Progress phase: A Day on Progress.
Remember we at Tony Ferguson Weightloss Program are here to support you and would love to help you get back on track. All you need to do is come in and see us or give us a call! We look forward to helping you reach a goal you are happy with as you strive to a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Last updated 08 January 2010
