By Ezi Levi. Ok, so it’s right before Pesach and the last thing that you want to do is think about dieting, let alone actually being on a diet. But for sure you are starting right after Yom Tov (or right after the Shabbos that’s after Yom Tov – but wait- then its Rosh Chodesh, oh, and Shavuous is right around the corner…). So instead of trying to convince you and give you a whole lecture, I’ll just give you some tips to keep you in the right frame of mind and give you some homework over Pesach.

TIPS:
Fruits,vegetables and proteins are NOT CHAMETZ!
Try to incorporate them every time you sit down to eat.

WATER!
Remember to drink water with every meal and often throughout the day. Stay away from Kosher L’Pesach sodas or bottled juices and limit freshly squeezed juices (the idea is “eat your calories don’t drink them”).

HOMEWORK:
You’ve heard me talk about the importance of commitment and motivation, so here are some questions to ask yourself. If you are honest, they can help place you on the right track or at least in the right frame of mind.
1) What are the obstacles that you face in trying to lose weight and/or be more healthy?
2) What’s holding you back ?
3) What are three things that you can benefit from losing weight and making healthier choices in your life?
Take a piece of paper and write down your answer to these questions then hang it on your fridge, or keep the paper in your pocket and review it every day. Resolve to remove the obstacles and overcome the things holding you back.

Now focus on the benefits and take action!

Last but not least, know that you don’t need to do it alone. Get a partner- friend, family member or go to a diet coach. Reap the rewards of losing weight but more importantly, feeling better physically as well as mentally.

Moshe’s Success Story:
I want to share with you a success story of one of my clients.
Moshe is 15 years old and learns in an out of town yeshiva. He was always a bit chunky and never had great eating habits. With the food in Yeshiva not being so good, he found himself in the canteen more often then not or he would end up eating bread most of the time. He was really putting on weight and was unhappy about it. Around Chanukah time, we sat down and created a plan working around the food that was available to him along with some things he could bring from home, as well as incorporating a little exercise into his daily routine. Well, Moshe was motivated, committed and eager to learn how to change his relationship with food and by Purim he had lost over 18lbs! Way to go Moish!

YOU CAN DO IT TOO!

Have a chag kasher V’sameach And may we be Zocheh to the Geulla Shelaima B’karov.

Ezi Levi is a certified health and diet coach and is the director of the Men’s Weight Loss Center. The center works with men and teenage boys who are committed to losing weight in a safe and natural way by learning how to make healthier choices in their primary and secondary foods. To find out more or to schedule a free, no obligation health consultation please call (732) 903-4129 or Email Ezi at [email protected].