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Don't Allow Temptation to Derail Your Weight Loss Journey
Carol Dunlop

As hard as it is to start your weight loss journey, it can be equally as hard to stay on track and avoid temptation. Temptation hits the best of us, but how you handle it can mean the difference between success and "lets try THIS diet and see what happens this time!"

Here are some strategies you can use everyday to help you avoid and/or conquer that pesky "temptation" bug.

While at Work

Eat Breakfast: Avoiding temptation starts early in the day. Don't skip breakfast. Eating a nutritiously filling breakfast sets you up for smooth sailing the rest of the day. You will start off satisfied and full, so you'll be less likely to stop at any fast food places or eat unhealthy foods.

Stock Up: Keep a stash of non-perishable snacks in your desk drawer or work area. When you feel weary and your will power starts to wane, you'll be able to grab a healthy snack instead of heading to the vending machine. Great choices are nuts, protein bars, pop corn and raisins.

At Home

Be Present: One of the easiest ways to lose track of calories and pack on extra pounds is mindless eating--when you allow yourself to munch and eat at will, with no thought to quantity or portion size. Avoiding the temptation of mindless eating means to be totally aware and present while you are eating. Sit down at a table with your plate in front of you and allow yourself to totally enjoy each and every bite.

Don't Buy It: This is an easy one. If you don't buy the foods that will tempt you to go off your diet, you won't eat them. So don't even bring them in the house. Opt for fruits, veggies and protein bars or meal replacement shakes as a healthier option for snacking. Keep your cubbards stocked with whole grain, food along with non-processed and foods that are low in fat.

Family Gatherings

Use a Smaller Plate (or a saucer): Use a smaller plate when serving yourself food portions. It'll look like you're eating a lot more then you really are and in turn trick your brain into telling your tummy that you are full.

Drink Water: With all the activity going on at family gatherings, its easy to get lost in eating whatever. Try walking around drinking a glass of water. It will keep your tummy full and your hands, mouth and brain occupied.

Your Home Office

Ward Off Boredom: Working at home can certainly be a challenge. Without the noise of everyday office life, you may allow yourself to get dragged into feeling bored. With boredom comes impromptu eating. Don't allow boredom to sneak in. Set up your snack breaks and lunch time on a schedule. Soon, you'll look forward to eating because you will actually be hungry when it comes time to eat.

Pop a Breath Mint: Instead of reaching for the chips, pop a breath mint, piece of gum or brush your teeth. You'll be less likely to want to "mess up" the clean feeling in your mouth by eating.

On the Road

Replace Your Rituals: The biggest temptation on the road is to stop anywhere and eat anything. You can avoid this situation by rethinking the rituals you have embedded in your mind and seemingly do unconsciously. You don't have to have a donut with your coffee. Nor do you NEED dessert after dinner or "something to munch on" while you are driving. Pack healthy choices in a cooler to take with you so you won't be tempted to stop just anywhere and eat just anything.

Know Where to Stop: Since you know where you're going, plan ahead and learn the restaurants and stops along the way. The internet has a wealths of information about different restaurants, food shops and snacking venues. Plan where you will stop and what you will eat beforehand. Your body will thank you for it later.

About the Author
Carol is certified through FiTour as a Personal Trainer and through the American Red Cross as a CPR, AED and First Aid Instructor. She has competed and placed in several Fitness America and National Bodybuilding competitions. To contact Carol, please go to www.optimumbodysculpting.com and learn how to receive your Free E-course “How to Burn Calories While you Sleep.� Carol Dunlop may be contacted at http://www.optimumbodysculpting.com. Click here to view more articles by Carol Dunlop.

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