by Amy Dungan, CarbSmart Contributor
Posted January 9, 2010
Plan To Succeed
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail". - Benjamin Franklin
Here we are at the beginning of a new year once again. Hordes of people are evaluating their lives and resolving to make changes. For many this will include health related resolutions. Some will try to stop smoking. Some will try to drink less. Others will resolve to remove unwanted stress from their lives. There will be those that promise to actually use that treadmill or elliptical that currently has about 6 shirts, two pairs of jeans and a carelessly flung sock or two hanging from it.
Most of the resolutions made every year are focused on losing weight and getting into shape. If you've made that resolution yourself, then let me give you a friendly tip - don't make resolutions. I know that sounds strange, but I'm as serious as Donald Trump working on his comb-over. By definition a resolution is the determination or strong intention to do something. That's great and all, but intentions rarely get us anywhere without actions. So I urge you to instead make a plan of action. Sure, if it makes you feel better, go ahead and say "I resolve to eradicate the planet of sugary, sticky chewing gum!" But be sure to follow up that declaration with a plan that will start you on that momentous yet adhesive journey.
For those that are venturing into the territory of low carb living, I commend you for making this educated and life-changing decision. Just making this decision is only the tip of the iceberg. Now is the time to plan just how you will achieve your goals utilizing a low carb diet. Accomplish your dream of better health by doing the following:
Know your diet. Regardless of what plan you are following, be sure you understand how it works. Trying to "wing it" is never a good idea. You'll end up lost and wandering in the desert of Why-Didn't-It-Work?, only to give up at the first sight of a Dunkin' Donuts oasis.
Plan your meals and snacks. Know what you are going to eat ahead of time. Waiting until your are starving to make meal decisions is always a recipe for disaster.
Keep yourself surrounded by induction-friendly, low carb foods. Always having the right foods on hand will go a long way to helping you stay on track. If lunch is delayed because of a long meeting at the office, grabbing some string cheese or a boiled egg will help take the edge off and aid you in making better choices. Depending on your plan, you could also keep non-refrigerated foods with you for occasional snacking. Examples would be almonds, cheese crisps, protein bars, popped cheese, and beef jerky (watch labels).
Schedule time to cook. There is really nothing more satisfying than a home cooked low carb meal. With the variety of low carb cookbooks and recipe websites available, there are no excuses for poor eating. You say time is your problem? No sweat. Many busy low carbers will pick one day a week and get all the cooking out of the way. Then simply divide those meals into portions and freeze for later in the week. Talk about the ultimate frozen dinner! Eat your heart out Lean Cuisine.
Exercise. Even 10 minutes a day can make you feel better. Just get up and do something. Dance in the kitchen with your toddler in your arms. Chase your dog around the block. Grab a friend and go for a walk. Utilize one of the many fitness based games available for the Wii. Play Rock Band until your arms wear out. Whatever you do, make it fun so it feels less like work. Odds are, if you choose something you enjoy, you'll make the time to do it on a regular basis.
Planning makes all the difference between success and failure. So if you wrote down resolutions, be sure you have a strategy to go with them. Only then can success be yours.
© 2010 by Amy Dungan. Used by kind permission of the author. Send Amy your comments to Amy Dungan.
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