I always love the start of a new year. There is something so hopeful and exciting about it. I reflect on my goals and about what new opportunities potentially lie ahead. I have also learned to expect challenges. But as they say, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. Our difficulties teach us about our strength, resilience, faith and ability to endure. We are not perfect beings. Failure will bite us in the bum at some point – but I reckon the best thing to do is to turn around and bite it back.

Here are some things that life has taught me recently:

If you think you  can’t, then you won’t. Your internal dialogue matters.

It becomes easier to say “no thank you” to treats and desserts once you have beaten your addiction to sugar. Cold turkey is often the best approach.

Yes, sugar is addictive and you can expect unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when your body goes through detox. You will know you have a sugar addiction if you can’t go more than a couple of hours without a starchy or sugary meal or snack.

Alcohol makes the slippery slope even more slippery and is often best avoided.

People will only truly hear you when they are ready to listen (despite the health issues they live with on a daily basis). Be patient and gentle with them and show them by example what awesome health can be achieved from Banting. Eventually they will start wanting what you have.

Portion size does matter, especially when you eat without actually being hungry. Learn to really listen to your body and the signals it gives you. Try not to eat out of habit or boredom.

Following a healthy lifestyle and eating plan is possible regardless of how busy you are. It really is all about priorities and how badly you want to achieve your goals. So give some serious thought to what is important to you.

They key to success is to experiment. The Banting diet is not a one-size-fits-all formula. Find out for yourself the ratios of carbs, protein and healthy fats YOU need to eat to lose the weight. Don’t give up too easily.

Eat enough healthy fat to feel satiated between meals (5 to 7 hours without eating or snacking) – you don’t really need more than that. Fat is very calorie dense and too much could hinder weight loss.

For me, ketosis is a wonderful state of being, but is not necessarily for everyone and can be difficult to achieve and maintain. It does require immense discipline but is definitely worth the effort.

It is possible to live without bread, pizza and pasta. Eventually you stop missing them altogether.

The world doesn’t come to an end if you don’t eat ice cream.

Real food tastes so much better than processed junk.

Unfortunately fruit is not everyone’s friend , and can trip up a Banter big time!

Yes, dairy is delicious but not always helpful when trying to lose the muffin top.

Dark chocolate will always be part of my diet. That is where I draw the line.

Get your family and especially your kids on board. It is much easier on so many different levels.

Those with inquiring minds will be the ones who reap the health rewards at the end of the day. Don’t accept everything you hear and don’t believe something is true just because your doctor says so. Challenge your beliefs and do your own research.

Getting a grip on stress and trying your best to manage it effectively can help with losing weight. Make the time for gentle exercise and doing things you enjoy.

Teaching your children to eat and appreciate healthy food is a responsibility every parent needs to take very seriously. Remember, children need good role models, so practice what you preach.

It is not always easy being different and going against the grain. One needs to develop a thick skin. Let them roll their eyes at you. It doesn’t really matter what they think.

Words of support , praise and encouragement make people feel validated and special. Therefore, let’s be generous with our speech. 

When the road ahead gets bumpy, dig deep and pray. Its amazing what can happen when you give it your best and leave the rest to God.

May 2015 be an amazing year for you all.

Thanks for your readership and comments which inspire me to keep writing.

Thanks to my wonderful husband and children who happily walk this journey with me.