Discipline

Following a healthy weight loss plan in Cape Town summer is an immense task. I would actually dare to say impossible, although I am sure the bunch of toned, tanned and gorgeous models that live at Gardens Virgin Active every day between 4 and 7 p.m. will disagree with me…

I followed the plan as well as I could today, but a glass of wine found its way to my food diary, something that Jeni was less than impressed with. What happened was: I got u in the morning and had my breakfast – bran flakes, fat free milk and a fruit. I took a bit of time to get myself to the gym, so only rocked up there at about 11:30 for my killer aerobic session. 20 minutes of pure torture! I was planning to take a shower at the gym and then go home for lunch, but I just didn’t realise how long the pitter-patter in the morning took me, so by the end of the session, I was famished. Starved. Dying. I had to go and eat!
I was rather proud of myself that despite the hunger pangs, I didn’t give into the temptations around me (Salushi, Sinns, Knead) but drove back home for a fatless egg whites omelette and a slice of toast.
The problem came in the early afternoon, when a good friend of mine who is permanently leaving the Mother City next week came to visit with a bottle of Chardonnay. It is rather hard to say “I’ll have water instead. You drink on your own.” So, I had a glass of wine…
Later on I had two more very good meals – skinless chicken & roasted veggies.

I am not proud of myself not having the willpower to say no to a glass of wine, but given my past behaviour (of constant partying all summer long), I think this is progress. Right?

Mel

Jeni:
Melissa brought up a subject that all my clients aiming for weight loss encounter at some stage or another – discipline. Yes, it is hard to incorporate “slim eating” (and drinking) to a busy social calendar. Yes, summer is a very social time in Cape Town and most of our entertainment is held around over-flowing tables. And yes, you can say no to all of it!

Such an ugly word, I know, but discipline is a part of successful weight loss and just another way of saying self-control. Think of how you practice self-control in the other parts of your life. Each day you fulfill your obligations to work and family, even when you'd rather just lie in bed and sleep late. That takes discipline. The same can be true of exercise and eating right. Of course, it's easy to make yourself go to work because there are consequences if you don't--you won't make as much money or you could lose your job. But if you don't workout, the consequences aren't as immediate, are they?

I am sorry to tell you guys, but it takes three things to lose weight and discipline is one of them! (In case you are wondering, consistency and honesty with yourself are the other two!). If you know you can’t resist certain situations or people, then make a plan to avoid them. You can’t do the same thing as before and expect different results! And you can’t be “good” for a week, then go back to partying full steam for another.

I am not saying you can never have a glass of wine. Just keep things in balance…

Here is a strategy: Make a list of all the consequences you can think of from veering off your plan. Just like “not brushing your teeth leads to cavities” you can make your own list.
“Skipping a workout will set me back slightly in my weight loss efforts.”
“An extra slice of pizza will neutralise the good of my morning workout”
And so forth…

Then, when presented with a choice – a second glass of wine with my friends or a glass of water – (and it always IS a choice) go through the list in your head and make a conscious decision. Good luck!

Jeni