Operation Yummy Mummy… September mission: Start a diet!

I am on a mission, a Yummy Mummy mission!

Back in time (I can’t even remember when it was!) I used to be size 12, wouldn’t leave the house without make up, perfume, nail polish and matching clothes, especially matching clothes…

Now my clothes are too tight, I smell of baby scent (you know what I mean), my nails are half bitten, size 12 seems history and make up, well I still wouldn’t be seen dead without any mascara! Even when I gave birth to both my boys, I made sure mascara was applied, between contractions, before going to hospital. The last time, I almost gave birth at home because of my mascara (and sandwiches! See my first post). It was supposed to be waterproof by the way! Instead it made me look like a panda, after crying and shouting ”I MADE IT!” when Victor was born. I said to my husband “that’s great, my mascara didn’t even run” and you know what he said very lovingly?? “No darling, it didn’t run”… only to find out that it did, when I later got to the bathroom. So thanks darling, because of that, half the photos are ruined!

Anyway back to my mission (wandering away from my goal, not good!).

As a Life Coach when working with my clients, we make sure that we break the “operation” into small missions. The reason for that is that it is much easier to focus on small goals and keep motivated, than reaching for the big goal straight away. Everyone knows that Rome wasn’t built in a day. So I have decided to apply my advice to myself and I will add a new mini mission every month to complete the big Operation (“Operation Yummy Mummy” remember? lets call it OYM).

So sisters, if you too want to get on the OYM, lets do it together!!!

I have decided to start by probably the hardest, but most probably the most rewarding… Lets go on a diet!

I don’t know you, but I am crap at rejecting offers involving chocolate or a nice glass of wine, especially if I know I shouldn’t. So this time, I decided to diet properly. I am joining “Slimming World” because I know the meetings will help me to remain focused… This is the one I have decided will be the best suited for me, but please, if you decide to follow the OYM choose the diet you think is the best suited for you and do your researches.

Here are some tips to help you stay focused on your goal:

• Try a visualisation board- Right now, I have an army of Jennifer Anistons and myself a few years ago, staring at me every time I open the fridge. It does work! really! When you have a family, the fridge is always full of sweet and naughty stuff (most of them being my husband’s). Well when I open my fridge I get a look from Jennifer who reminds me that I really want to have her legs and my old self remind me that actually my size 12 trousers looked really good and I used to love wearing skirts. And it makes it easier resisting the chocolate or nice French cheese smiling at me! Just a piece of advice, make a collage on a piece of paper that you can put up and down easily, so if you are a bit shy to expose it to the visitors you can take it down when they arrive (I do).
• Be realistic- Set a target that is achievable and if you feel that you have too much to lose don’t despair, break it into mini targets. You will get a great sense of achievement when you reach each target and you can treat yourself each time with something nice (avoid eating a whole chocolate cake everytime though
• Allow yourself a treat now and then – be kind to yourself and don’t deprive yourself from something you would really like to have. You will only end up feeling fed up with the whole thing and it will be easier to give up.
• Visualise the new you – Try this exercise: Every night when you go to bed, take a few minute imagining what it will be like when you will reach your target weight. Feel the sensation, imagine the clothes, feel the confidence you will have gained, feel how it will affect your relationship with yourself and others… Make it as real as possible, feel it as if you were there already. Go to sleep with that sensation of well being and it will help you stay on track.
• Avoid diets that make you lose weight very fast – the reason being that first you won’t have the time to get used to the new you and you might feel like a stranger in this new body. The second reason is that you are much more likely to put the weight back on and much more.