You reduced your weight and now it’s creeping back. What should you do?

First, think this.

Next, don’t freak out. Stress (the thing that may have lead you to overeat in the first place) causes weight to hang on for dear life by secreting hormones throughout your body. The last thing you need is a chemical opponent. Trust me–I’ve tried this both ways.

Instead, put on your meditative hat. No judgement. There are a variety of reasons yo-yo weight happens, but just know this: you’ve noticed it’s creeping up and that’s the first step. (The longer you ignore this step, the harder your work becomes, so be vigilant.) Do not say bad things to yourself–just observe.

Next, review what you’ve learned. Hopefully, you’ve read Dr. A’s Habits of Health and did the workbook, Living a Longer, Healthier Life. Refer back to this. If you didn’t read it, now would be a really good time. I have never seen some of the material I’ve read in this book anywhere else and I still pull it out to look things up and recenter. Here’s a link:

http://www.tsfl.com/Products/Site/TSFL_Products/HealthCoachStore/MarketingMaterials/prd~32705_KT.jsp

You can find it on my website under marketing materials. (Frankly, I think it should be under “Key TSFL materials” because it is.)

Then, get back to basics which for you means 5 and 1. Delete all the little extras you’ve added and morphed into your own program. This program works like a charm when you follow it, but when you begin tweaking here and there, you throw off your own efficiency.

Reach out. Regular check-ins with me can help you be accountable–and I’m a good cheerleader! I understand the phases because I’ve been through them all. It’s never over.

Above all, be mindful of your attitude. Put on your “can do” hat and leave the other ones to the other people. If Abe Lincoln, who fought depression most of his life, can see the sunny, so can you.

(Check on “free resources” on my website to help you get there: www.jamieweil.net)