First of all, buy yourself a lovely journal or diary. Then, make a cup of tea, sit in a quiet spot and have a good think about why you really want to do this, because we're assuming that you have made a decision to do something and you're willing to invest time and energy.

 

You're in for a whole lot of learning and some significant changes, both to your lifestyle and your body. Recording what happens can be rewarding in its own right and will continue to remind you why you have embarked on this journey. Record your "aha" moments especially- the times when your world gets turned on its head! When everything you think you knew, suddenly gets thrown out the window. And record the things that have been harder, or easier than you thought....record your lows and highs and your discoveries...

 

True change (and by true, we mean long lasting and meaningful change) is really hard - we've all tried and failed to instil a new habit. Write down all your reasons why these new habits are just too important to fail.

 

Ask yourself how will your life (and that of your family) be better when you are healthier, feel better and have achieved a healthy weight? Write down your thinking - and be honest! You're the only person who is going to see your journal - open yourself up.

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Once you're clear on why you're making these lifestyle changes and what it means for you, write it in the first page of your book. Refer back to this regularly to help stay on track and see how much progress you're making.

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Refer to the factors predicting success in changing your behaviour:

1. You have clear, personal reasons that justify a strong desire to change the foods you eat.

2. You have minimized obstacles (environmental, cognitive, physical) to adopting a new dietary pattern.

3. You have the necessary skills and confidence to implement this new lifestyle.

4. You feel positive about your new dietary goals and believe they will be beneficial.

5. Your dietary goals are consistent with your self-image and social norms.

6. You have support and encouragement from people you value and a community that supports your dietary changes.