If you're serious about shedding pounds, the first thing you have to do is all in your head: Lose the excuses.
That may sound easy, but it could be what makes your diet plan a success or a failure. Thanks to Cox News Service and Reuters Health for identifying seven diet excuses and the excuse-busters you need to fight them:
Excuse No. 1: The chips in the pantry are for guests. The cookies are for the kids. The ice cream is for my spouse.
Excuse-Buster: They don't need that junk anymore than you do. If you don't buy it, you can't eat it. Call on your family and friends to help you resist!
Excuse No. 2: Healthy food just doesn't taste as good.
Excuse-Buster: Find better recipes and get more creative in the kitchen. Experiment with new spices for a new taste sensation.
Excuse No. 3: I'm so hungry it's actually making me tired! I have to eat to wake up.
Excuse-Buster: You're tired? Go to bed. Take a nap.
Excuse No. 4: Those hunger pangs are really strong! Maybe if I just take walk over to the refrigerator...
Excuse-Buster: Take a walk...but go outside! It really will help quell the hunger pangs.
Excuse No. 5: It's party time! And there will be so much food. I won't be able to resist.
Excuse-Buster: Eat before you go to the party. And when you get there, enjoy diet sodas and water, both of which are filling but not fattening.
Excuse No. 6: We're going out to eat. The portions are huge.
Excuse-Buster: Cut your meal in half. Take the leftovers home. Oh, and bring your own low-calorie salad dressing.
Excuse No. 7: If I want to lose weight, I can't ever eat cookies and cakes again. Of course, I can't do that!
Excuse-Buster: Yes, you can enjoy your favorite sweets. No food should be forbidden. Just eat sweets as a special treat and always in moderation.
The bottom line is this: Drop the excuses and take responsibility for your what you eat. The new, skinnier you will be the beautiful result.
--Cathryn Conroy
