Weightloss / Health and 2008

Well, Christmas is nearly upon us. Forget the deprivation diets or tasteless alternates to flavourful Christmas traditions. It's supposed to be a fun time of year, so make it so. Hopefully, you've had a successful year of Greens, fish oils, whey and hours of weekly exercise, and it shows. You've earned the reprieve.
My problem at this time of year lies not in the Christmas celebration, but in the drastic New Year's resolutions I hear from many of my clients:

* "I'm going on the 8 week abs diet . . "
* "I'm going to join the 4 week BootCamp . ."
* "I'm going to do a fast and cleanse . . "

Listen folks. When your resolution has a temporary / quick fix air about it, you can expect a yo-yo of results, usually making bad things worse in the long run.

2008 should be your year of EVOLUTION !

Permanent, very manageable little steps that you will be able to maintain throughout the year effortlessly. This usually means adding in the "good", not eliminating the "fun". Keep your glass of wine or Sunday morning Starbucks treat but do also begin habits of health.

Like the compound interest that accrues in our RRSP, multiple evolutions of good habits create permanent health momentum.

Samples of some of my more successful clients' permanent changes have included:

* "I will take fish oils daily to check my cholesterol and blood sugar . . ."
* "I'm going to keep a large water bottle at my desk daily . . . "
* (My favourite) "I'm purchasing 52 sessions with my trainer to ensure I go to the gym weekly and am held accountable this year . ."
* "I've prepaid for 6 months of Organic home delivery, so I 'll always have the good stuff in the house . . "
* "I've posted my 7 favourite SUPER SHAKE recipes on the fridge, so I don't forget how simple good nutrition can be . ."
* "My wife and I have signed up to learn to dance, . .if not now when ? We'll get fitter and closer" ( this client was in his 60's and very dear to me )

The point is, all these little things have a long term, sustainable air to them. They will evolve the daily and weekly routines for the individual so new habits of health are born. As the years go by and habits are kept, one builds on the next until we find ourselves in a very, very good place in our later years.

The old adage goes, "Fail to plan, plan to fail", and so must your resolutions make sense.

Too many people will fire off a list of generic good things without regard for the applicability to their own lives. These choices of change should foster a fire within you, that you know will create the small victories near and dear to your heart.

May your ounces of prevention prevent the need for pounds of cure in the years ahead !
A Happy and Healthy 2008 from your Coach !!