As a Personal Trainer and expert in fat loss and conditioning I’m suppose to be a great role model and in the dictionary under “athletic” or “lean” you would see a picture of me but just like you I have my weaknesses and going to the cinema is one of them.
I love movies, it’s the perfect break for me and a way to wind down and relax. I’ve always preferred it to going out and getting wasted on beer. I’ve done a bit of that as well in my college days especially but if I could I would get one of those cinema rooms like you see on MTV Cribs and go and watch a film or a series of 24 - the best show on TV!
The problem with going to the cinema is we have the best pick and mix going - the shrimps and bananas, the big long fizzy cola bottles and white chocolate mice. I must confess that I have a sweet tooth so how do I still stay in good shape? - even in a bad month I’m sub 12% bodyfat
Again it’s one of those mindset type answers coupled with another prevention strategy that is basic and simple, yet very powerful.
1 - Remind yourself of your goals, the cost of your goals (the sacrifices you have to make) and the importance of these goals to you on a regular basis. Keep them on a card and read as many times as necessary throughout the day.
2 - Create habits. The first one is to remind yourself constantly about your goals. Whatever your actions are create habits. If you want quick results, more habits may have to be made but be realistic according to your personality. Let 1-2 habits get firmly installed into your memory banks so that they become second nature.
Would you get an alcoholic to lose 4 stone and start a business at the same time. Possibly not! Worry about one thing at a time if the nature of the change and your personality are at conflict.
3 - Remove temptation. When I am in a period of wanting to really burn bodyfat I know the pick and mix is going to ruin it or the sweet section at the petrol station of supermarket.
So what do I do?
Not allow the opportunity in the first place by not entering the pick and mix area.
Also bring some other snacks
Don’t go shopping when hungry
Don’t have spare change on me.
It’s not like I need to do these things all the time - I’m not an addict, I have already created good habits and the goals and commitment to the cause do a lot for avoiding such pitfalls but if they are not enough, then removing the opportunity to fail can be the missing ingredient for all of us.
So if you want to get super lean and look great naked or in your clothes and willpower alone is not stong enough, what things could you do to avoid temptation?
Avoid going shopping when you are hungry and avoid certain aisles.
Train and exercise with somebody else better than you - a friend, using a trainer, a small group or bootcamp. Whichever it is, they must take away that opportunity to sit at home and blame lack of time.
Be around like minded people away from exercise that don’t tempt you to go to MacDonald’s or have several drinks. Let people in your circle that push you towards your goal and not the pullers that sabotage you.
Empty your cupboards from the crap that is in them. Anyone who starts the Elimination Plan knows this as part of the strategy.
When opportunity knocks to do the wrong thing, make sure you throw a dummy and go in a different direction.
Mike.
