Sizzlin’ Summer Slimdown – It’s Not Over

Because you still are eating, right?

And that is what S3 was all about – learning to eat, for life.

Last night I was reading a great book by a man and coach I respect and admire greatly – Dan John.

I had the pleasure of meeting Coach John a few years ago and he is just a great human being.

Dan has a way of simplifying things and his training philosophy reflects this.

But the book I am reading, “Intervention“, also crystallizes his thoughts on nutrition, and as we come to the end of the 7 week period we call “Sizzlin’ Summer Slimdown” I want you to think about what he has to say.

First of all though I need to congratulate you for doing what for most of us is really hard – Change.

The “PPW” principles that S3 emphasizes are small changes in how to look at food and eat for some,  and radical change for others. Either way stepping out of your comfort zone and taking action is to something to be proud of.

But now is not the time to throw up your hands in relief and throw all that hard work out the window. I have seen that too many times. The “contest” is over so it’s time to go hog wild.

Really?

And that brings me back to Coach John. He doesn’t exactly hold back on this one.

“I sum my insight about all things diet, nutrition and supplements with the simple phrase –

Eat like an adult.

Honestly, seriously, you don’t know what to do about food? Here an idea: eat like an adult. Stop eating fast food, stop eating kids cereals, knock it off with the sweets and comfort foods whenever your favorite show is not on, ease up on the snacking and – don’t act like you don’t know this – eat more fruits and vegetables. Really how difficult is this? Stop the whining. Stop with the excuses, Act like an adult an stop eating like a television commercial. Grow up.”

Kind of hit me between the eyes, how about you?

And that brings me to something else he said that ties into the “end” of S3. Celebrating your achievements is healthy, wonderful and appropriate. Just stop doing it with food.

Here’s Coach John:

“Every time you succeed in life does not call for several extra rounds of beer, a salutary doughnut and high fives for everyone. I’ve always admired great athletes – Barry Sanders comes to mind – who scores a touchdown, goal or point, and just moves along. It’s your job, so get over it.”

It may not leave you warm and fuzzy, but it’s the truth.

What more important “job” do you have than taking care of yourself?

I mean you have to eat anyway, so you might as well fuel the machine with the good stuff. It’s not like this is something extra into your daily routine, you have been eating your whole life. Just work on doing it a little better, every day.

Because a body that is operating properly allows you to do everything better!

This is Day 2 of S3 week 8, which just so happens to be the first day of the rest of your life.

Extraordinary days lead to extraordinary lives.

Make It Happen!

Dean