I want to say a huge ‘congratulations’ to those who are taking part in the Weight loss programme. For the last few weeks they have been walking every day and making changes to their food.
We had a weigh-in at the YMCA on November 17th (a big THANK YOU to the manager Lorcan who jumped in and helped us out with a premises). Next meeting is at 4.30pm, Saturday 18 December at the YMCA, Sandymount.

We had the most fantastic results: two people had lost a stone and a half, two people lost just over a stone each and everyone who came along lost, on average, 6 to 7lbs so far and we are not finished yet. We have another weigh and measure the week before Christmas.

The thing to remember is there are no quick fixes and everyone has worked really hard for their results but it just shows what you can achieve in a short period of time and still manage to do it properly.

Here is the Energy Management motivation plan to help you get started in 2006 with your good health resolutions.

1. Set Goals:
You need to be specific about what you want. What changes do I want to make? What is a realistic time to achieve this? (average 2lbs per week for safe weight loss that will stay off).
What changes do I need to make that will give me the results I want on a permanent basis instead of a quick fix?

2. Self motivation:
List 10 reasons why you want to do this. We respond as humans towards pain or pleasure so you need to use that when writing your list. For example, if someone made a comment about your body that you did not like, you can change it right now from a negative to a positive by using it on your list to motivate yourself.The list needs to be read daily to be effective.

3. Monitor every step:
Write or record everything you do. It will help give you a sense of achievement so if it’s a walk or run have a little chart at home or a journal and tick off a little box every time you do it.

4. Support system:
Make sure you have a support system in place– this may be a trainer/ instructor/ coach or a good friend (not always a good idea to use your partner for this job). Don’t tell everyone because when you look better the compliments that people will make on how well you look will be great to keep you motivated.

5. Rewards in place:
It is important that you set up a little reward system for yourself (NOT food!). For example I have a client who pays herself every time she loses a pound and this fund is then used at the end of each month to treat herself to a manicure or facial. Be nice to yourself– we were only given one body and the more we take care of it the more it will take care of you!

For the people trying to book private appointments with me at the moment– sorry it is so busy, I will get to you soon, I promise. Thank you. For more health tips and a free quit smoking Club log onto www.helenwalsh.ie.

I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a healthy, exciting new year!

To Contact Helen mail: energymanagement@eircom.net or call Energy management 01 2605050 for an appointment.