We Can Start Now…Before The New Year!
Are You In? We Can Do This Together!
I've been "testing" products, weight loss techniques, anti-aging treatments and a whole lot more. Why? Before sharing with anyone, I wanted to make sure that these work, are affordable and simple. They do!
I've even included my fur-kids Gracie & Kaylee in my weight loss program…which means walking every day! Both have shed weight and now have a lot more energy!
I'm not certain why many of us wait till the New Year to start our weight loss programs, anti-aging treatments, exercising etc….the list goes on. Then some time in March or April, we "fall off the wagon." We continue our old habits. Now, I am not saying that everyone does but a lot do…78%! WOW!
Have you ever questioned why? Is it lack of motivation? Are the results not coming fast enough? Is it easier to just quit? Not enough time? I think I've used these "excuses" along with a few more. But there is hope! Seriously! I feel I've discovered what we need to achieve our goals! It is commitment, support and reward!
I've found that once I wrote down my goals, shared them with a "buddy" and started one little baby step at a time, guess what? It was much easier to achieve! My "buddy" held me accountable. I felt someone cared. In fact, we helped one another. Then we would celebrate each achievement.
One of my "little" rewards was a bouquet of pink tulips. I love them!
They cheer me up and I marvel at their beauty.
You can do the same. As each goal is reached, you can increase your reward. How about a candle light dinner at home? If you're looking for quick, easy and healthy recipes, I do have several on this website. Or an afternoon at a spa. I love the blueberry facials! A massage is relaxing and revitalizing as well. Just let your imagine go! Be good to yourself! You are worth it!
Now, what if you don't have a support system? Or you're not sure where to start? I am here for you. I've just formed a "secret" group on facebook called "WOW101." There, we will be able to chat in private. You can post your goals and ask for advice. I'll share my experiences with you. Together, we can begin our journey on being healthier, looking younger and feeling even more fabulous than ever!
You want help? I am here for you. Join me on facebook
Send me a private message asking to join our "secret" "WOW101" group OR leave me a message in comments below. Either way, do take the first step! You'll see, you can do it!
Much love,
http://alexandramcallister.com
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About Alexandra McAllisterAlexandra‘s passion is internet marketing as well as sharing her knowledge on diverse topics of health, wealth and happiness. She is dedicated to helping her team of online entrepreneurs strengthen their motivation and their internet businesses. She loves the freedom of working from home…which gives her plenty of time to pamper her 2 little dogs, Gracie and Kaylee! Connect with Alexandra on Facebook, Twitter or Google+.
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
Great suggestions, Alexandra! In my journey of losing 66 pounds, I've relied on my accountability partners to keep me honest and on track, as well as for mutual encouragement, and reward myself with a 'non-food treat' every month. This week I bought cute jeans – in a size 12
Some may say, ' A size 12! I would die if I had to buy that big of clothes.' But I was wearing a 24 1/2 when I was at my high weight, so from a 24 1/2 – 12 is pretty darn good! 
Thanks for all your words of wisdom and encouragement!
Oh! That is fabulous Mary Kate! Congratulations on taking the first step! If a size 12 is your goal, that is super as well! Going from a 24 1/2 to a 12 is an excellent goal! If I may, I wouldn’t even give a second thought to what “others” say or think! YOU are the most important person and you do what you feel is right for you. As for a reward, that is excellent! There are so many “healthy” treats that one can make or purchase. I am really proud of you Mary Kay! If you ever feel like you need an extra bit of encouragement, you know where to come. I am here for you! You go girl!!!
I just had this discussion yesterday about support groups and talk therapy. This works for some people. Unfortunately, there are a large number of people who suffer from serious mental health diseases. I discuss this thoroughly with quoted research in my book "The Cure For Obesity: My Life's Journey." Support groups and talk therapy are not enough for those suffering from depression and bipolar disorder, and many overweight/obese people (myself included) suffer from these diseases. I needed a nudge from my support system to get me to a mental health professional. Once medicated for the chemical disorder, then talk therapy and support groups benefitted me tremendously. In my book, I actually recommend psych evaluations before starting a weight loss program as well as a physical exam. It is best to rule out mental health issues now before they sabotage the weight loss effort. I believe that the support system needs to nudge.
Jeff, I do agree with you when it comes to the mental health. It is almost impossible to be motivated if one does not even feel well in their own mind. In my article, I was referring to people who make excuses not to get healthy. I do however feel, that once someone with a mental health challenge receives help, later on down the line, exercising and eating properly will likely help them feel better about themselves.
You don't diet between now and Christmas because you don't want to miss out on Halloween treats, Thanksgiving, all those Christmas parties and family feasts! That's no fun! Who wants tobe a stick in the mud?
As far as motivating yourself to keep exercising, I have a couple of tips:
1. Have a big goal you are training towards, for example, your 1st 10K or triathalon.
2. Listen to music or audiobooks (my favorite) while you exercise.
3. Get an exercise buddy or join a team. You will be less likely to miss your workout if you know someone else is counting on you.
4. If you really don't feel like getting out of bed, tell yourself to just work out for 20 min., and then if you feel like quitting you can. For instance, on the days I don't feel like running, I tell myself I'm just going to run 2 miles, then I can quit if I want to. Sometimes I do quit, most of the time I keep going.
Kelly, I absolutely disagree with you when you say that now isn’t the time to start. Imagine how much more you’ll have to lose by eating all those treats and Christmas feasts! AND do you know what that will do to your body? I’d rather be a stick in the mud and be healthy, look younger and feel amazing! If someone really cares about you, then would encourage you to get on the health wagon now.
As for exercising, that too is a commitment and there must be a goal. Otherwise, the same thing will happen over and over again – an excuse not to do it or reach our goals. I feel that if one has a positive attitude towards becoming healthier, then eating, exercising etc. will be a pleasure! After all, we may just be prolonging our life!
I love this, Alexandra! You are so right about of waiting for New Year's to make a resolution. It's consistent lifestyle choices on a daily basis that is so much better. I choose to eat healthy and have implemented making my week start on a Thursday as far as that goes, instead of waiting until after the weekend. This way if I need to eat healthier or less I review what is necessary. Thank you!
Thank you Susan. I find it is so easy to make up excuses not to get healthy! BUT the reward of starting NOW is the only way to go, I feel. Otherwise, there will be another “reason” down the line to postpone the next goal. I’ve been eating healthy and exercising this year and I feel much better. I’m so happy to hear that you are doing things to improve your quality of life! You look fabulous!!!
I use the buddy system too. I quit smoking this year and it has been 4 months now. I have buddies that ask how it's going and encourage and pat me on the back. This has helped me so much in my journey to becoming a non-smoker. Thank you for making me think about the goals I have achieved and the new one I need to set!
Congratulations Liz! WOW! Good for you! I lost my best friend Linda to cancer. She stopped smoking after one of her kidneys was removed. She was cancer free for 5 years and 4 months and it came back! What a hell she went through and lost her battle 4 years ago at 59! I’ve never smoked but I do know that there are other things that are not healthy that can shorten our lives. Having a buddy system has helped me and in turn, I’ve helped others. I am so proud of you Liz. Keep improving…one baby step at a time. If you ever need an extra buddy, you know where to come.
Great post…it is about a lifestyle, not a diet driven by a season of excess or daily habits of poor quality food choices. And the rewards ideas are great!
Absolutely Carl! You know, “diets” do work but it is “us” who stop working the diets. It is much better to do something that one can continue over a long period of time. And of course, eating health and exercising…just one baby step at at time!
This is great…people sometimes live for the future and wonder why their life never happens. It cannot happen in the future as future doesn't exist! We have to enjoy life as much as we can in the moment and yes it takes will power, but the more we use it the easier it becomes! Thank You Alexandra for motivating us to wake up!!
Thanks so much Solvita! I’m glad that you understood my message. It is so much easier to make up excuses than to put our mind to it and just do it! I’ve been there! But you know, once I started to get results, that really motivated me even more. It is all worth it in the end!
It's really great, Alexandra, that you've broken this down into three points. Without commitment, the whole idea will crumble and cause frustration. Without support, many folks give up when they hit the rough spots. Finally, without a reward there is really nothing to work toward. Humans need goals to strive toward with a reward at the end. If is how we are designed!
Yes Michelle, I think these are the 3 main components but they may be a few more. These, I found, worked for me and many of my friends. It is simple and easy to do. Love the buddy system and the little rewards! So glad you stopped by! I truly appreciate it. Thank you!
Absolutely agree that you should never postpone starting a new program of self-improvement. Tomorrow is promised to no one, and just getting started is very empowering. I like the idea of involving a buddy to keep you motivated. After all, even the best athletes continue to work with a coach and trainer.
Glad you agree John! Having a buddy or an online group does the trick for me. I’ve been working out and eating much healthier for months now and if it weren’t for my buddies, I’m sure I would have quit long ago. You are right….tomorrow is promised to no one. Thanks for dropping by.
Great Tips! I often wondered the same..why wait til January when we can start today:) Thanks for sharing..will add 'daisies' to my list of rewards:)
Gee I wonder why you like daisies! LOL! They are lovely as well! All flowers are and I am especially fond of pink tulips. Thanks so much for commenting. I really appreciate hearing from my friends.
Great advice Alexandra
I agree with Carl – it is about lifestyle and not diets or quick fixes. I need to change my lifestyle ASAP!
Julie, change it at your pace….just make sure you do have a goal in mind. You can write it down and share it with a friend or you can also join our group once it is up and running. Whatever you do, just do something…one little baby step at a time! I know you can!
Hi Alexandra! I am always conscious of my nutritional habits! I do not want to be over 100 lbs again, ever! I am thankful for you and others that are teaching people healthier habits!
WOW! That is such a wonderful attitude! I feel, as well, that you’ll never be over weight again! You sound positive and that is what will keep you on track. I am so happy when I hear things like this. You go girl!
Good for you and your "Secret Group!" I have been doing that for the last 18 months & people love it! Keep it going… x0x
Thanks Norma! It has worked for me and my “friends” so I’ll continue doing this. Thanks for stopping by. It is greatly appreciated.
I love it that you added your pets to this journey! Sometimes it is just the way we say things, or say things to ourself, or even in our mind. If you say your on a diet, it always seems like work. If it is a lifestyle change it becomes habit and you almost dont think of it.
Both my pets were between 20% – 30% overweight! Since I started walking with them, they both lost weight and are now at their ideal, healthy weight. I don’t believe in diets…they do work but we stop working them. AND in the long term, eventually people fall off the wagon! Glad that you agree that a lifestyle change becomes habit….and the more we feel and look better, the easier it gets.
Thanks for the tip! It's a great idea to start a resolution now. There is a lot of pressure to keep a bunch of new habits in January. I know I've definitely fallen off that wagon many times.
Yes Rob and the % is so high of people falling off the wagon. I believe the 3 steps I mention are great. We need to write our goals, have a buddy system to be accountable and then have a reward as we progress.
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Waiting until the New Year to start changing your life is one of my pet peeves, so I love hearing this from you! I admire all of you who can diet and take significant weight off. I just want to get rid of 10 pounds and can't even get started . . . I am trying hard to make lifestyle changes but being busy and addicted to chocolate make it difficult. Fortunately, as a vegetarian I don't have a fast food habit, but I know I need to eat more intentionally and cut out the sugar! Ugh. Thanks for forcing me to think about this.
Jennifer, perhaps if you had a positive attitude about your goal…this would help. So many of us take this as a challenge. I say it is a healthy life change and every little bit moves us to a healthier state. If you say it is difficult, then that’s what it becomes. I still eat chocolate but in lower quantities and I relish each little piece. Slight changes in eating and increase in exercising, walking or just dancing up a storm in front of the TV can help.
) If you’d like some motivation….consider joining my facebook group…..
Congratulations on being healthier younger and more fab. I loved the article and the tips very empowering.
Well thank you Beau! I do my best and love helping others reach their goals.
Alexandra,
Support is always important to move ahead or if stuck get picked back up. Great idea and thanks for sharing your wisdom. Sometimes it goes beyond just weight loss or eating healthy; for here, I know the health is the focus. Secret group is a great way to share, supported and feel the "privacy" to share unconditionally. You rock and have a heart for all. What a great person you are. Love ya.
Oh Carol! Thank you for such positive comments! You and I think alike and I love sharing ideas with you. You rock as well! Proud to call you my friend!
Such an inspiring and uplifting approach to weight loss. Usually I find articles about this topic unrealistic. But I love your idea of accountability and cooperation in a group. It's how I've made all the best changes in my life!
Alexandra, this is a wonderful and encouraging article. I have a big problem with self-motivation. I get myself psyched up to exercise, talk about doing it, and sometimes stay faithful for a while; then I fall off the wagon so to speak. Then I have to start back at square one again. You are such an inspiration….I don't know of anyone who walks as much as you do!!!!!
Hey Brenda! I really believe we all need support in everything we do! It is so much easier and pleasant when one can share. I used to try to do it by myself only to fall off the wagon and then start up again and again! Having a support group or a great buddy who will be there for you, is the way to go! You can do it as well. I know you can. Yes, I love to walk…and so do my fur-kids, Gracie & Kaylee! Even they lost weight by walking!