Losing weight doesn’t just happen during the day. What we do at night and while we sleep can affect us just as much as what we do during the daytime hours. It’s true that we burn calories while we sleep, but that doesn’t mean that we can do whatever we want during the day and evening. Here are somethings to consider tonight to have a healthy tomorrow.
1. PLAN: Have a plan for what you will eat tomorrow. We’ve heard this all before, but it really is a huge help. This can mean prepping your entire day or just having something ready to go. As the week goes on we can get lazy or lose energy and the temptation to pick can overwhelm us. Sometimes other unscheduled events can come up and before we know it, we’re eating whatever is easy and nearby. Make sure you always have a plan B. If your original day goes haywire then being prepared with portioned snacks in the right place (fridge, purse, backpack, car, briefcase, etc.) or a pre-made meal at home or at work that is ready to eat can make a huge difference by taking out the stress of choosing what to eat. Some like to cook a meal or multiple meals ahead of time, some do their grocery shopping on the same day every week, and others have their go-to places that they like to eat at, or take out or order in from. Find what works for you and stick to it. Having a plan B can save you from a weight gaining day.
2. EXERCISE: If you plan to exercise tomorrow, have your clothes and equipment ready. This is especially important now that the mornings are getting colder, making it harder to even get out of our nice warm beds. Make it as easy as possible for you to get up and get your day started, even as the mornings get darker and colder. Less daylight can also make us feel like the day is over at 6pm, but that doesn’t mean we should throw in the towel when there is still plenty of time to make progress. If you like to exercise in the morning or at night, stick with your routine. Don’t let any excuse get in your way.
3. AFTER SCHOOL activities: If you are busy with after school activities and running around with the kids use it to your advantage. One of my clients told me she brings only water with her and is surprised at how she really doesn’t need to eat snacks when she is running around. If the snacks are available she may eat them. But when she doesn’t have them she drinks water and goes home and has dinner. Often resulting in one or no snacks for the day. So if you feel you can go with one or no snacks at the after school actives give it a try. Bring water and remember you may feel a little hungry but that’s a good sign that you are losing. Remember you control your food. The food doesn’t control you.
4. SLEEP! It’s not only important for your overall healthy, but for your weight loss as well. Having a good night’s sleep will ensure that you have a clear head and plenty of energy to do your best. When we are tired, we look to caffeine and sugar to give us a boost. It can also cause us to crave comfort foods to make us feel better. Being sleepy will mean that it will be harder to resist these foods and drinks, so make sure you get some rest! It can also mean that you are too tired to workout if exercise is part of your day – yet another reason to get a good night’s sleep as often as possible.
When your MIND plans for your BODY you will find great success in your weight loss, overall health and well being!
~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick
Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness
8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797
469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018
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