The problem with chocolate bunnies

Actually the problem with most chocolate creatures and other "feast days" such as Christmas is we rarely (if ever) have what could be called famine days to make up for it.

Anyway - I've been amused by several discussions on the social networks from people who are "trying" to lose weight - and I am completely baffled by their comments, namely - what they are planning on cooking and eating over the holiday break. Why would you even go there when you could conceivably undo the months of very hard work in a couple of days ...

As someone who has battled with weight over the last couple of years, and is finally winning that one - I'll let you in on several secrets to my success

1. Don't buy it, then you can't eat it. Yes your brain may decide to chuck a tantrum - but it can and does get over it, and very quickly

2. Work out the calorie quota of the item and then decide if it is worth the extra time at the gym. Believe me when I say this - 30 minutes a day IS NOT enough to counter that amount of chocolate. And do I practice what I preach? Well today a member of staff brought in a plate of goodies for Easter - and I let other people eat my part of the gift as I could not afford any more time for exercise (and yes I was at the gym at 6am), and tomorrow is almost as impossible to insert extra time - so today the answer was no. Kind of you to offer, but I won't thank you. And besides which I really didn't fancy eating it...

3. When you are beginning your weight loss journey - avoid the cheat days completely for the first couple of months. Go bootcamp if you have to, your mind and your body will soon get used to the idea it doesn't need excessive amounts of carbs, sugars and trans fats - and when you do decide to indulge - limit yourself to one meal a week - yes it sounds harsh, but unless you have the ability to be disciplined not to over indulge on any other day - then it is worth considering as part of your "normal" eating plan.  I finished a 12 week challenge - lost 6 kilos (8 for the year) and treated myself to a couple of days off. That has since taken me 2 weeks to get rid of the kilo or so I put back on ... you might be different - and be able to shift a couple of kilos in a day or two - but I know my body and its idiosyncrasies, but it is something to think about.

4. I use protein shakes as a filler or before going anywhere these days, you might find veggies works just as well or a piece of fruit - I find that kind of snack just spikes my blood chemistry too much and would recommend you eat some form of protein with your carbs if you don't want to feel hungry again too soon. But again, work with your body and the blood chemistry.

5. If you do decide to indulge over Easter - enjoy it, don't feel guilty - BUT get straight back on your eating plan at the next meal - that way you will never be off the weight loss journey.

With many thoughts of too many chocolate bunnies who "bit" the dust.

Elle