A frequent post holiday reaction (triggered by overdoing the eating and a reduction in the physical activity) is to make harsh self judgments, even if any perceived shortcomings were only engaged in for a 3-days weekend holiday.

Plan:
Decide to watch eating carefully and increase physical activity for the next holiday (July 4th).

Decide not to throw in the towel for the summer

Write a list (yes, this is a writing exercise) with a half-dozen positive behaviors that you have made a part of your lifestyle. These are behaviors that you don’t even have to think about any more. The bottom half of this page has a generic list of positives. Use this list to assist you. Now: “Pat Yourself on the Back”.

Now: Look forward. Forget the past.

Positves:

· always select fat-free when buying dairy products
· breakfast is always a whole grain cereal
· use the “one” concept most of the time (dinner on one plate, at buffets – one trip, for pizza – one slice
· always use no-calorie soda
· never pick up a salt shaker
· always ask the wait-staff for changes I want from the menu
· enjoy movies without buttered/salted popcorn
· always use whole grain breads at home and ask for them in restaurants
· use stairs instead of elevators
· dedicated to stretching the back muscles every morning
· even when traveling I never miss my short morning meditation