Yes, you read this correctly! It is possible to lose the 5 pounds of weight by simply reading. Reading what you ask? Well, reading a letter that you are about to write to yourself for next year’s holiday season. By writing a letter to yourself TODAY, you can prevent the onslaught of the 5-10 pounds of “extra you” next January.

Studies have shown that the average North American gains at least a pound over the holidays, and this one pound, on average will stay with you for life. So, even if you gain 5-10, like most people do, the odds are that even if you try hard to lose it you will likely carry that extra one pound beast with you to next year’s New Year’s celebration. That means that any weight gain over the holidays is a slippery slope over time to becoming a larger version of yourself.

So, this January I challenge you to take 10 minutes out of your day and write to yourself. The steps are easy:  1) print off this blog post; 2) answer the 5 questions below as honestly as you can; 3) put the envelope in your Thanksgiving or Holiday decoration storage boxes; and 4) when you open it next Holiday season tape it to your fridge. You will have a daily reminder from yourself on the hard-fact results of your over consumption of festivity foods. By doing so, you will consciously eat less, make better choices and you won’t have the 5-10 to contend with in the New Year.

So, print this off and let’s get started!

1. Have you gained weight from November 1 to January 1? If so, how much?

_____ lbs

2. Have you spent, or are thinking of spending, any money as a result of your weight gain? (i.e exercise equipment or videos, bigger clothes, weight loss programs, foods or supplements) If so, how much will these items cost you?

$ ___________

3. How much time every day do you think about your weight? (i.e how often during an hour do you think about: your appearance, weight gain, what people may be thinking about you, how you plan to lose it, assessing your shape, weight measurements, shopping for weight loss items, etc.

____ min/hour = _____ min/day = _____min/week.

4. Do you recall the taste of every poor fat forming food that you consumed over the holidays?

Y / N

5. Choose 3 words that describe how you feel about your weight gain – this can be the emotional feeling (i.e sad, angry, depressed, etc) OR physical feelings (bloated, heavy, etc).

________________________    _______________________    ______________________

Now put this in an envelope, seal it and mark on the front of it:

THIS HOLIDAY I AM GOING TO BE A BETTER BEING AND WILL LOSE 5 POUNDS IN 10 MINUTES.

When you open it, place it on your fridge and give yourself a healthy holiday hug!!!!

Best wishes for an excellent year ahead!

Ann