1. Decide that your goal is weight loss and commit to it. Make a list of the reasons why you want to lose weight. Looking good in a bikini is as valid of a reason as getting healthier.

2. Make yourself a priority. You are worth it. You want to be the best version of yourself and to have a body and mind that will serve you for years to come. When you take care of yourself and treat yourself well, you can give more to others around you.

3. Be radically honest with yourself. Consider this when weighing yourself, when logging food, when planning food, and when committing to changes.

4. Treat yourself with love, grace, and respect. Do not talk to yourself in a mean way or punish yourself for missteps. Instead, try something like “I know that bakery trip this morning did not get us closer to our weight loss goal, but let’s think of what we can do the next time a similar situation happens.“

5. Consider all “failures” as opportunities to learn. Look at them with curiosity and brainstorm solutions for the future.

6. Feel your feelings. It is ok to feel anxious, angry, bored, disappointed, left out, “blah” and so forth and not reach for food in the moment. It is ok to feel excited, loving, proud, accomplished and not to reach for food. Feelings are vibrations in the body that last for several minutes, sometimes longer, and are not particularly dangerous. You can just sit with it and get to know that feeling, experience it in your body, and name it. Feelings drive our actions, it becomes a habit. Habits can be unlearned and you do not have to reach for food every time. Ask yourself what is your body or brain trying to tell you and is food the real solution?

You got it! Go now!