Ten Laws of the Lean

Learning what to eat is half of the mission getting to an ideal weight and staying there. New eating habits must develop that mature into a way of life. Managing your weight is a lifestyle, it's someone you become, not something you try. Over a twenty-five-year career I have developed what I call my "Laws of the Lean," which are designed to help form the belief, passion and discipline to manage a new knowledge of eating. If your overweight, the problem lies in improper portioned meals, eating poor quality foods and infrequent timing of meals which cause blood sugar levels to rise and fall throughout the day. The difficulty in correcting these mistakes is beliefs and behaviors you hold support them. Daily implementation of the following laws will develop new behavior and keep old behavior from coming back. A healthy nutritional lifestyle is more than a systematic plan of eating, but it involves a change of heart as well as a change of foods.

Law #1 - Start With a Positive Attitude

Success in managing your weight begins with your state of mind. To become lean and fit, you must think and talk as a lean individual. Many times what's coming out of your mouth is more the problem then what's going in your mouth. Our words reveal the condition of our belief or lack of them. Repetition, is the mother of forming our beliefs, each thought or spoken word gives birth to reaching our ideal weight or causes doubt which leads to failure. Positive self-talk creates your desire and guides the way to reaching your goal. Speak as if the desired result is already in your possession. Repeat, "I can do anything if I put my mind to it. Each meal makes me lean by controlling my blood sugar. Each meal feeds my muscles and manages my energy levels. I eat my meals on time and in the right portion." Whatever the mind can believe the body can achieve. Forming a belief is like managing a bank account. You need to make daily deposits. When challenges to your new eating habits present themselves and situations are telling you no, reach for your checkbook of belief and write a check doing what is right.

Law #2 - Establish a Realistic Goal

Your ability to set goals and fulfill their accomplishment by faith is the key to losing weight and keeping it off. I always ask my clients these two questions:

• Are you sure you want what your hoping for?
• Can you believe you have received it before it happens?

Put your goals in writing; until they are written they remain off in the future and you'll lack the confidence to achieve them today. Goals must be measurable; what gets measured will get done. Goals of action or steps taken are just as important as goals of accomplishment. It is important to set both short and long term goals. Losing one to three pounds weekly or dropping 5 percent to 8 percent body fat, every twelve weeks are realistic achievements. Reviewing goals each night keep you accountable, feeling positive and in control. Daily goals force the mind to stay focused on its target. It is impossible to stay motivated for long periods of time without goals to guide you. Goals allow you to forget what is behind and press forward to what lies ahead, too win the prize of better health, increased energy and the body you've always dreamed of.

Law #3 - Seek Support From Others

You will never soar with the eagles if you spend all your time hanging out with turkeys. Identify with a role model who has the healthy lifestyle habits you would like to acquire. Success gives birth to success, role models point us in the right direction and show us how to realize our potential. When we witness or communicate our belief of eating to family, friends and co-workers it strengthens the belief and develops our identity and commitment to it. Learn it's okay to say "No thank you" when offered foods you no longer believe in. It's important not to say "I can't have that," instead say "I desire something better." Let your family and friends know what they can do to aid you in acquiring good new habits. I have seen a higher rate of success among couples who make lifestyle changes together rather than individuals going it alone.

Laws 1, 2, & 3 | Laws 4, 5, 6, & 7 | Laws 8, 9, & 10