As the Boy Scout’s motto goes, “Be Prepared”…likewise this applies to other areas of life – especially when it comes to the goal of weight loss.

Before you embark upon a new diet, new health goal, new commitment, or decision; take these two simple words to heart and make sure you are prepared to really get results (this time).  Start by identifying your weakness zones – call it the “willpower vacuum zones” (as in, my willpower “sucks” in these areas) – here’s some examples:

-          In front of the TV

-          Sitting at your computer surfing or answering emails, etc.

-          Driving your car

-          Reading a book or magazine in your favorite chair, etc.

For me, losing 30 lbs in 9 weeks was not an easy feat.  But setting the goal, making the decision and getting myself prepared to meet success in this area, once and for all – was paramount.  I had (let’s say) “challenges” with each of these “zones”!  And without a backup plan – in most cases where my mouth was simply bored (for lack of a better description), I would find myself subjected to uncontrollable cravings surging through my body…then what seemed to be, involuntary twitches leading inevitably to suicidal and forbidden food leaping kamikaze-style into my mouth (where there’s no where to go but down)…okay, just kidding.  But you get the idea – know your zones, and be prepared!  These zones could easily have been the demise of my best intentions, and they were (in my past attempts to lose weight).

For TV and the internet, I armed myself with celery, lettuce, sugar free hot chocolate, sugar free fat free mocha, diet root beer, or a green tea.  The hot drinks seemed to be most satisfying because it took time to finish them and they were soothing as well as filling.  So before I reached for something else, I first made myself have a mocha (this is semi-sweet, creamy and satisfying).

For reading a book, on the rare occasion that both of my kids were asleep and I was too tired to do anything else – I would drink a soda and finally changed that to plain old sparkling water (not entirely plain – the bubbles do help!).  I also tried lemonade made from lemon juice and splenda – that worked well too.

Driving the car was a different story.  I decided to call my mom or one of my sisters (even if I had talked to them three times already that day!).  I couldn’t have food in the car because snacking was too easy to do – and for whatever reason; it was sort of fun (I know, that sounds strange!).  Anyway, my mom was a “manners Nazi” when I was growing up. One upside to that is that now, as an adult, if my mouth is busy talking I can’t possibly think about putting something tasty in it at the same time! Thanks Mom!!

The list goes on and on, and each of us will have our own custom fit version. The important thing to remember about losing weight is to plan your strategy and be prepared to overcome your weaknesses BEFORE you begin your battle!  Just like in most games you play and intend to win, when it comes to weight loss; offense is definitely your BEST form of defense!  Be prepared!