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By Stephanie Clarke, M.S., R.D.
Friends, co-workers, and your significant other can all provide support as you work toward reaching your health and weight-loss goals. But, there's someone missing from this list: You! Becoming your own biggest fan can give you that extra push you need to stay motivated. Use these "you-boosting" tips:
Embrace gray. It's easy to slip into black-and-white thinking when you have a specific goal in mind. For instance, "I can never eat dessert because I want to lose 25 pounds." But this can lead to an all-or-nothing mentality—and that isn't practical for the long term. Instead, strive for moderation. If you make healthy food choices the majority of the time, you can have a small treat every day or so.
Put it on repeat. Repeating positive affirmations to yourself on a daily basis may seem silly at first, but do it long enough and it will sink in. Try starting with something like "I deserve to feel beautiful and confident." In stressful, challenging times, positive affirmations can keep you level-headed.
Eliminate the competition. Your friend and husband have a different metabolism than you, different genes and different life circumstances that make losing weight different for her or him. Focus on yourself: Keep a tally sheet of how many times you bring your lunch to work or eat veggies each day. You'll be surprised at how much more motivated you are when you compare you to you, rather than others. |
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| Michael Scholtz, Best Life fitness expert, answers: There are many benefits to having good posture (besides giving mom the satisfaction of taking her advice!). Sitting and standing tall helps you breathe easier, improves circulation and digestion, reduces stress on joints and cuts your chances of developing muscular imbalances that can lead to back and shoulder pain.
For good posture, sit up with a normal curve in your lower back and your weight evenly distributed on both buttocks. Keep your shoulders back and be sure your upper back and buttocks touch the back of your chair. Your knees should be at right angles level with your hips; keep your feet flat on the floor.
When working, your desk should be about elbow level. Rest your elbows on the desk to relax your shoulders, and sit close to your work to avoid leaning forward. Take a break every 30 minutes to let your muscles relax.
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