by Mary Ann Senatore (your weight loss friend)

Hello all,

I am nearly at goal weight. I have about 8 pounds left and today is Halloween. What happens on Halloween? We get haunted by the candy goblins. Some people are not even frightened by the goblins, but others are terrified and I admit to having the candy fear.

What is the best thing to do when we need to face a fear? Be like NIKE, and just do it. How? Weight simple basics. Before we learn to read, we must learn the alphabet. Why not apply the ABC’s to keeping us focused during the holiday season. We all know it starts with Halloween and ends on New Years Day.

A-always stay focused (not always easy, but it can be done-and you are not alone)

B-be in control (once we take control, we can achieve anything)

C-consider alternatives (instead of chips, reach for pretzels)

D-decide in advance (we are more likely to stay on target if we plan our meals in advance)

E-eat small meals throught out the day (not allowing oursleves to get hungry)

F-find a friend (support is important)

G-go for a walk (exercise is important for all of us-start slow-but stay focused)

H-have a plan (if necessary, make an appointment with yourself, just like the doctor, dentist or salon)

I-include family members (once they know what you are doing, they can help)

J-just do it (JDI) what are you waiting for?

K-keep a diary (write down your meals, feelings, successful and not so successful days)

L-look for new foods (just because we are losing weight, our foods don’t have to be boring)

M-make meals special (use the good dishes, treat yourself like a guest)

N-no punishments (if you gain weight, its done and move on, tomorrow is just a sleep away)

O-oh how good it feels! (when we put on a smaller size and it fits)

P-put “trigger” foods out of reach (out of sight out of mind)

Q-quick fixes are not reality (fad diets don’t work)

R-reward yourself when you attain a goal (buy a new lipstick or video game after each goal is achieved)

S-sugar substitutes can have flavor (flavored sweetner to give coffee a new pizzazz)

T-take time for yourself (we all take care of everyone, but leave little time for ourselves)

U-undo bad habits (easier said than done, but so worth it as we step toward success)

V-variety will keep you focused (being bored with food leads to failure)

W-want it (we will never achieve a goal unless we want it to happen)

X-eXamine the reasons why we eat (stress, hunger, boredom to name a few)

Y-You (losing weight for anyone buy yourself is just silly-do it for yourself)

Z-ZA! ZA! ZOO! (there is no better feeling than knowing you have succeeded)

Go through those candy bags, allow 5 pieces of candy and give the rest away. The office candy jar is a good place provided the candy jar is not on your desk. Rent a scary movie and make popcorn instead!

Happy Halloween and I look forward to hearing your success tips for holiday success.

Your Friend,

Mary Ann