I've lost count of the number of articles I've seen with those tempting titles "Lose 10 lbs in 4 days", "Firm the flab fast", "Get a bikini body in just 10 days". They're so seductive aren't they? Yet I want to shout "Liar, Liar pants on fire!" because any weight loss of more than 1 to 2 lbs a week is not fat loss. It's just water that you'll put straight back on - or even worse, pure solid muscle - the stuff that burns calories!

But what can you do in 7 days then?

• You can kick start your weight loss program by starting to eat a healthier diet so that you lose those 1 or 2 lbs of fat this week

• You can begin a fitness program which will take you to a leaner, stronger, fitter body in a few short months

• You can set some realistic goals and think about why you want to lose weight so you can keep your motivation strong when the going gets tough

• You can turf all the fattening stuff out of your fridge, freezer and kitchen cupboards

• You can get rid of all your unflattering fat clothes, keeping just a few good things and clear out space for a fantastic new slim wardrobe

• You can look out some new healthy recipes

• You can explain your plans to your family and friends and ask for their support so they don't offer you tempting treats or drag you out for pizza (or at least understand when you say "No, not tonight")

• You can buy some running or walking shoes and sports gear and get ready for action

• You can start to become more aware of everything you eat and how you feel before and after so that you can work out why you overeat.

• You can start to eat only when you are hungry and stop when you are just satisfied rather than stuffed.

Copyright 2005, Janice Elizabeth Small

Janice Elizabeth Small

"As a weight loss coach, I love helping people lose the diet mentality and get slim for life by making tiny changes to their habits. New habits are adopted, step by step and weight loss becomes automatic as a result"

What I wish for you....

* that you finally understand you don't have to starve yourself or kill yourself at the gym to be slim
* that you learn that being slim can mean eating delicious food
* that you value your health and well-being enough to take action - small steps but action nonetheless

And what I wish for me?

* that I help make the world a healthier and happier place - one person at a time - through my articles, website and ezine
* that I can teach my boys to love salad too...