New Day Your Way

Keep Going when the Going Gets Tough

When everything seems to be going wrong it's easy to lose motivation, but one bad day will not ruin your whole diet. Once you start doubting your abilities, you're on the slippery slope to undoing your brilliant efforts so far. Try not to let any minor lapses color the big picture. Here's how to climb back on the wagon again and carry on.

Find a Buddy

Everyone has their own ways for sticking it out. Find out what motivates others and you'll probably find it peps up your resolve too.

Be Positive

The more you dwell on minor lapses and frustrations, the more they will grow. If you ignore them, they will rapidly fade into insignificance. So, you slipped up a bit today? It doesn't matter! You can start over again tomorrow. Positive thought gives you the power to change and improve any aspect of your life. You can, and will, succeed.

Be Specific

Writing down your reasons for wanting to lose weight will make them seem more real and boost your motivation. Keep these notes where they are visible-use your food journal, and stick notes on the fridge door and on the dashboard; make one of your goals the welcome words you read on your cell phone when you first switch it on. Ever-present reminders of why you're doing something will help keep you going and on the road to success.

Be Your Own Best Friend

Think of the good things about you, however minor they might appear. How well you've done so far, your reasons for being slim and fit, what inspires you. Imagine what you would say to a good friend who was feeling dispirited-how you would be supportive and encouraging. Now say those same things out loud.

Get Back on Track

After the first flush of enthusiasm has worn off, how do you feel? Despondent, deprived, bored? Time to look back on your reasons for wanting to lose weight in the first place. These reasons won't have changed, but your enthusiasm may have waned. So think about your achievements-drinking more water, filling up on fruits and veggies, managing to work out the healthier option in a take-out. and how do your clothes feel? Are the waistbands looser, can you do up another notch on your belt, are things simply hanging better? See, your efforts are paying off!

Don't be Hard on Yourself

We all have bad days. Here's a tip: avoid all-or-nothing thinking-accept that there will be times when work or family commitments get in the way of good intentions. Learning to deal with them is all part of your new, healthy regimen. It's the long term that counts. Think about your progress so far and feel good about your achievements. Now give yourself a pat on the back, pick yourself up and keep going.