How To Diet After The Holidays

If you're like many others, you probably over-consumed during the holiday season and diet(ing) is now on your mind. There's plenty of evidence to encourage you into action. In fact, new research says your actions to reduce what goes in your mouth can extend your life by up to 8 years.

According to a recent study from researchers at the McGill University Health Centre, 'Overweight and obese individuals have the potential to decrease life expectancy by up to 8 years'. They also say that overweight folks have a higher propensity for diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease earlier in life - which can 'rob them of nearly two decades (20 years) of healthy life'.

OK, this might not be you after a little festive cheer, but it could be time to start trimming down. No one said that it would be easy. It can be even more difficult as we age, brought about by the cumulative toxins in our bodies. And these toxins age our bodies at an accelerated rate.

The good news is that there are a few straightforward 'tweaks' you can make to your diet that can help your body eliminate this toxic burden and get your fat loss moving again, faster, while helping you look and feel younger.

It's not for me to tell you what you should and should not put in your mouth. Further, I believe that most people know what to do, they just have to do it. I believe that there are six things you need to do, especially if you're finding dieting tough-going.

1. Create a crisis. Be aware of the many negatives associated with being overweight. Long lasting, meaningful change usually involves some kind of crisis.

2. Develop a passion for changing. If you've ever heard yourself say, 'I've had enough of overeating, it's time for a change', that's a certain indicator that passion is present.

3. Generate support and encouragement. Heed Socrates' advice and, 'Know thyself'. You'll find that deep down you know what's best for you.

4.Build fitness. Keep in mind that there are four types of fitness - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The fitter you are, the easier it (everything) is.

5. Eliminate excuses. Napoleon Hill's definition of 'excuses' is 'Alibis for not succeeding'.

6. Get started. As Lao Tzu told us 550 BCE, 'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'.

OK, the festivities are over, it's time to get serious.

Dr Neil Flanagan is a keynote and conference speaker. You can find out more about Neil when you visit http://www.neil.com.au and while you're there you can download one of his bestselling books BLINK! The Speed of Life (How to add years to your life and life to your years).

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