Over the last 2 months I have put on about 10 pounds. Not intentionally I might add! It just crept on as it so easily does. Normally I don’t get too caught up on numbers on a scale – I focus more on things like energy, concentration, sleep and mindset. Overall my energy levels are great most of the time. I sleep well. I have few sugar cravings. Thank god my head is in a really good positive place. I rarely get colds or infections.  However my jeans are a little tighter and I can see a little (or not so little!) muffin top beginning to appear so I know it’s time to take my head out of the sand and do something about it before it turns into a bigger issue.
I put the gain down to a few simple things – simply eating more food, eating more often, eating out more often, eating bread, snacking late in the evening and not listening to my body or my hunger signals. I have a habit of gaining weight when I am out of routine either on holidays abroad or during school holidays. I notice these are the times I am not as in tune with my body as I would normally be.  I also notice myself eating when I am not hungry. So awareness is important.

I could complicate the story and put this weight gain down to medication, changing hormones, changes in my body, a recent operation etc etc but anyone who knows me know I don’t do drama – I prefer to cut through the crap and get the work done (that took practise!!). Thankfully from years of health coaching I know what I need to do and what needs changing. I don’t complicate things with fad diets. I just do the work. Some of the simple steps I will take over the next few weeks are:-

1.Eat 90% wholefoods ( every girls needs a little chocolate…)
2. Eat until 80% full and stop – takes practise (it takes about 20 minutes for the brain to recognise you have ate enough)
3. Only eat when I am hungry (on the hungry scale about a 5-6 out of 10)
4. Move more
5. Hydrate more

My advise to anyone who has let the good habits slip a little  or a lot over the Summer.
A. Follow the above 6 steps and you will see massive changes to your body, your energy, your focus, your sleep, your mind.
B.  Don’t get caught in the drama or the story of why you put on weight or let habits slip. This mindset will not serve you.
C. All you need to do is focus on your next meal or your next snack.
D. Keep it simple,
E. Listen to your body,
F. Trust your instinct,
G. Start today
H. Enjoy the journey

Helenxxxx