Attention and Intention: How being consistent with our healthy habits helps manage weight loss

The summer holidays are over, autumn is here and we are back to school! This got me thinking about how easy it is to get out of the habit of practising our healthy habits. Having the kids off for six weeks meant that my usual routine of going to the gym at least three times per week wasn't possible, there was also more food, more 'treats' and less adherence to my fasting hours due to flexibility around holidays and travel. Long story short, I gained 6lbs over the summer break. 

​Now, I must stress that this is absolutely fine, normal and to be expected- because weight fluctuates and is not fixed! But, now that we are back in the swing and my usual habits can resume, I wanted to bring my weight back to what I am comfortable with - and that meant losing those 6lbs.

​By bringing my attention and intention to my healthy habits I was able to refocus on what I was eating, when I was eating and how much I was moving. I got myself a little notebook and recorded what I ate, when I ate and what activity I was doing each day. This can feel a bit tedious, but tracking these things is a super useful tool because research shows that we can overestimate how much we move and underestimate how much we eat by as much as 30%. Setting your intentions and bringing your attention to your healthy habits will help you stay on track and achieve your goals.

I lost the 6lbs over two weeks and have typed up the first week so you can see what works for me. Remember, we are all different and need a personalised approach to what works for our bodies and our busy lives. I maintain an 18:6 fasting schedule, minimise carbs and sugar, and prioritise protein and plants - this works for me, helps me manage a healthy weight and maintain my 8-stone weight loss, it also reduces carb  cravings and gives me plenty of energy.

I also stick to my six golden rules:

1. Eat as close to nature as possible
2. Use ingredients in their most natural form
3. Avoid ultra-processed food
4. Minimise carbohydrates and refined sugar
5. Prioritise protein and plants 
6. Honour your hunger and nourish your body