Advice on positive changes from style guru Lisa Fitzpatrick

It’s true when people say we are our own harshest critics. As women, many of us like to analyse and discuss every single detail of how we look. Sound familiar? Well you are not on your own! I have met and styled hundreds of women over the years and I have to say that it’s rare to meet one without insecurities. What separates the confident women from those who are full of self-doubt is their ability to not let their insecurities define them.

Today you can make a decision to be proud of who you are and really work it! Maybe you are not your ideal weight and maybe you don’t love what you see when you look in the mirror. But if you are determined to make a lifestyle change then you are on the right road. It all comes down to attitude; so make yours a positive one. Special K is encouraging people to look towards the positive aspects of losing weight and to focus on all that can be gained – a positive attitude really does make a difference!

I tell you this as someone who was once overweight and after many years, I took control of this one thing that haunted me for a long time. I’m not a diet expert. I’m not a fitness guru. And I’m not a psycholgist. I’m a real woman, who was really overweight and who managed to lead a much healthier lifestyle without losing her sanity! Deep down you know that you have the potential to make a better you, so don’t put your life on hold whilst you attempt to lose weight. Get out there and live it!

Whatever shape or size you are right now here are some tips I’d like to share with you.

Believe in yourself and you will instantly look better. Confident people light up a room and are usually positive thinkers. Negative thoughts rarely creep in. Always focus on what you have and don’t spend life comparing yourself to others.
Finding what motivates you is so important. Do you want to be fit and healthy for your children? Would you like to have more energy? Do you just want to lead a better lifestyle? Whatever the reason be clear of your goals so that you can stay focused.
Here is my motto in life – ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail’! It’s so true when it comes to being healthy and eating well. Leave for work in the morning with your lunch and have a plan for dinner that evening. Planning means you are less likely to snack on the wrong foods or ring for a take-away the minute you get home. There are no excuses!
Educate yourself about food. You are responsible for creating your healthy lifestyle! So learn about what you need to do to make that happen. It’s all habit at the end of the day and only you can break the bad ones!
Slow down and realise that every time you eat a meal it’s not a race! We need to take heed from the Italians who have a fantastic attitude towards food and savour it rather than devouring. Eating slower is also much better for your digestion and you are more likely to eat less.