What’s the resolve? I would suggest trying not to eat in front of the TV, but if you absolutely have to, make a production of it.  Set yourself up with your drink, napkin, and condiments.  Use could use also use pretty tray (or a manly one) and try to eat slowly.  Pause often to take notice of that that delicious meal you’ve prepared for yourself.

•  The after dinner blob.  You know who you are!  After dinner you just plop down in a chair and turn on the TV.  The reality is you’re tired.  You’ve worked hard and had a long day to which you’re totally entitled.

My resolve is that most nights after dinner I do the dishes.  I created a little routine for myself by washing, drying, (or loading the dishwasher) cleaning out the sink and a giving the floor a quick sweep.  That routine is done at a leisurely pace yes still keeps me moving after a meal.   Ideally, it would be nice to go for an evening stroll but that doesn’t happen often.  Halfway through my routine I put up the water for tea so that by the time I’m done I can have a relaxing cup.

• Sugary drinks.  They are everywhere!  You need to be aware of what you’re drinking.  Your specialty coffees are loaded with sugar.  Check your juices for added sugar.  Mixed alcoholic drinks are usually off the charts.  Keep track of your sugar for one day and I guarantee you’ll be surprised.

This is a particularly difficult challenge; you have to make a conscious choice to cut back on your sugar intake.  If you don’t like plain water try some of the flavored varieties.  You can also try adding a slice of orange or lemon to water.  Hot tea is my choice but I’m sure with a little effort you will find your own.

•  Bad Posture.  This is really worse than you would have thought.  Ok, worse than I had thought.  Stand up just like always.  Then take a moment, roll your shoulders back, lengthen your neck…balance your head over your torso, lift your breast bone.  Is that how you normally stand?  Go look at yourself in the mirror.  Now relax and see the difference between this moment and how you normally stand.  Turn sideways also, get a good look.  Bad posture can be the source of problems ranging from bad digestion to headaches.  It also adds pounds to you.  Is slouching and looking fatter what you really need?

The resolve for this is to become more aware of your posture and correct it.  Take notice of yourself in mirrors.  Be brutally honest.  Do you like how your clothes fit?  When you correct your posture do your clothes look different?

• Eating your kid’s leftovers.  I know you do it, I saw you at McDonalds the other day.  Maybe it wasn’t you, but it could’ve been.  Most likely you’ve already eaten your own meal and now you’re just making sure nothing goes to waste.  That is exactly where it’s going to go, directly to your waist!  Your kids are smart enough to know when they are full, are you?  

My resolve for this one is giving your kids a smaller portion.  Or if you are eating out ask for a doggy box.  Then whatever you are tempted to eat goes directly in the container.

• I’m ready for a tough one.  Here goes… Skipping breakfast – whatever your reason is for not eating ANYTHING in the morning let me remind you.  Your body’s metabolism slows down after being at rest for the last 7 hours; it’s now time to kick it back into gear.  Kids do better in school (there are studies!).  You will do better at work.  Think about, here’s your chance to start your body with high quality, nutritious foods.

My resolve for this would depend on why you don’t eat?  If the problem is that you’re not hungry, plan on a smoothie.  Smoothies are chock full of vitamins and if you add some ground flax it can be a great place for fiber. Get all the ingredients ready the night before and in the morning 1, 2, 3 and you’re done.  If your problem is time, pack something that you can eat at the office.  Studies show that people who eat breakfast are more successful at maintaining their weight.

If you see yourself here, know you are not alone.  Just start off with one small change and build on it.  You can start feeling better about yourself today!  The benefits from these small changes can be less stress and improved weight loss. 

~WeightLossBuddy

Feel free to add your own tips and comments below.