Holiday Weight Loss HELP
In a little over a month, lots of people will resolve to go on a diet as they start fresh with a new year.
And for most people it won't take long for this resolution to fail.
But I discovered a better approach almost 20 years ago that I'd recommend to you instead:
Start your behavior change a month before the new year, so you'll have momentum to keep going.
The first time I did this was in December 2002, as I resolved that I wanted to dunk a basketball again on my 40th birthday, which was six months away.
I worked out during lunch every day and then ate a salad at my desk during the early afternoon.
On May 15, 2003 I took my birthday off from work and played a pickup game at the YMCA, and afterward had Lisa bring the video camera to document the accomplishment.
Not the most spectacular dunks ever, but I had lost about 20 pounds to make them possible.
Lisa and I recommitted to some dietary and lifestyle changes in November 2019 as well, and by January 1, 2020 I had lost 10 pounds and had created momentum that made it easier to continue. When COVID hit a couple of months later, I was on a trajectory to keep losing weight.
When I've gone through the holidays and lost weight instead of gaining, I have found this highly motivating for continuing my progress.
Want to try this with me?
Since my spine surgery in July, I have stepped off the low-carb wagon more frequently than I had been previously, and as a result I'm about 10-15 pounds heavier than I'd like to be.
I'm still 45 pounds below my peak weight, but it's time to make a change.
So I'm doing this again starting today, and I'd encourage you to join me.
It's a lifestyle, not a resolution.
It doesn't mean total avoidance of seasonal delicacies. What's the fun in that?
We'll be having a few holiday gatherings, and on those days I will enjoy participating in the festivities and partaking of the delicious treats.
But when I step off the wagon, I'll get back on the next day.
I will be limiting carbohydrates most days, finding fulness in healthy fats and adequate protein, and combining with time-restricted eating or intermittent fasting.
These are three key points related to weight loss in HELP: The Health, Energy & Longevity Plan.
I used the InBody at HELPcare Clinic this morning to get a snapshot of my body composition, and on Dec. 31 I'll do it again and will share the before and after measurements.
If you're a HELPcare Clinic member and would like to join me in this, I'd encourage you to also schedule an InBody in the next couple of days, because it's included at no extra charge in your membership.
Otherwise, take a picture of the reading on the bathroom scale sometime between now and Thursday, Dec. 1, and then again at the end of the month.
I'll be sharing tips and encouragement on my personal social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn) using the hashtag #HolidayWeightLossHELP, and I hope you'll join me in the conversation and in the journey!
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