You know how I’m constantly looking around me to find pieces of inspiration here and there to keep me firmly on track? I came across a really great article the other day about the approach taken by Dave Brailsford who coached Team Sky to victory in the Tour De France twice, and of course the 2012 Olympic Games. I’ve put a link to the article on my interesting stuff page in case you’d like to read it.
His whole approach is based on the aggregation of marginal gains. Which sounded a bit technical to me at first but when you get under the skin of it, you think yes, of course. That makes perfect sense – it wasn’t just about the cycling, it was about everything around the cycling too.
Things like training, nutrition and equipment are a given in terms of athletes who are head-down serious about achieving a goal. But they’re also surrounded by lots of other little things which also have an impact. He got them to focus on those little things, like travelling with the pillow which gave them the best night’s sleep, finding the massage gel which was the most effective for them, and so on.
By looking at all the little things and making improvements, together with the more obvious things, they were unstoppable. And I kind of like that idea. So I got to thinking about what my little things might be. I mean, the obvious things are a work in progress you know?
I’ve got the food plan down, and whilst it can be a little bit flaky, my exercise regime is coming along nicely too. I’m uber confident that by October I’ll pull it out of the bag in Cuba. And I’m slowly unpicking all the spaghetti in my head. So what little things can I zone in on to support me in delivering the big things?
I’m thinking stop guessing what fifteen ounces of peanut butter looks like. I mean, it doesn’t sound very much so I assumed maybe a teaspoon full…fifteen ounces is three smart points. I’ve been counting the peanut butter I spread on my apple as three points but what if it weighs as heavy as lead? It might not be three points at all…whoops.
I could park at the opposite end of the car park at work, so I’m forced to walk further instead of choosing a parking space within spitting distance of the door, as I’ve done since I started working there. Those extra steps would all add up, right?
I was chatting to my friend about this yesterday and she swears that applying full make-up every day keeps her away from cake. I struggled to make the connection at first but she was adamant that looking good on the outside helped her feel good on the inside, and feeling good about herself is her silver bullet. When she feels good she finds it easier to say no to naughty stuff. I hate the feeling of having anything on my face but if it has that effect I’ll slap it on like a drag queen. Definitely worth a try.
I’m curious…what are yours? I think this is one of those things where we can definitely chuck a few ideas around and pick out the ones we like the sound of…what do you think..?
The little thing i have to tend is keeping the refrigerator and freezer cleared and cleaned so i actually can find the things i’d planned to eat, and have room to put the good stuff i buy. If those are too cluttery or messy, i will be tempted to just grab what’s convenient instead of actually working on a decent meal.
I can see how that would work…my boy goes through them both like a swarm of locusts so personally it’s a task I don’t often need to do!
Brilliant! I love this.
Make-up (a smidgen, as i am from Casual County) & when i fetch my pretty ring from the kitchen window sill – hey, i’ve noticed when my nails are spiffed up, it has that effect, too. Wearing something that feels fabulous or new (& now fits well!) makes me conscious of my looks. There is one of the Skinny Girl secrets, i bet!
It is the polar opposite of feeling conspicuously invisible.
Love to you, Fleury
It is Fleury…I can’t wait to feel foxy again. Its going to be a while yet but it’s coming 🙂
Great post Dee. I think it is definitely the small things that can make a big difference. I have done WW before, many years ago, but this time it has been the most successful.
I try to plan my meals a few days in advance so I have the right foods in. I also try to include new recipes so that I don’t become bored eating the same thing. I use a lot of recipes from skinnytaste.com as all the smart points are calculated for me. There are some great recipes.
I try to increase my exercise by parking at the furthest end of the mall and walking more, parking furthest away from the supermarket door and, if I need to increase my steps, I will walk around my living room during the commercials when I am watching tv, or jog on the spot while waiting for the kettle to boil. It really does all add up!
Thanks Claire, and OMG how did I not know about Skinnytaste.com?? I’ve just had a good nose around it and there’s some awesome recipes on there 🙂 If anyone’s interested I’ve posted a link on my foodie stuff page – it’s well worth a look!
I just discovered it last week and it has changed my life!! Our WW leader says she uses it all the time but can’t promote it because it is not official, however she did say she has checked the points and thinks it is accurate. I have made Cilantro (coriander) Lime Tilapia Tacos, Zucchini (courgette) lasagne, petite crust-less quiche and Tilapia with Thai Coconut Curry Sauce – all absolutely fab and easy to make and freeze the remaining servings. A friend made the cajun chicken pasta and said it was amazing.
I’m itching to get started…it’ll make a nice change from the old favourites that get wheeled out week after week!!
Great post! One of my biggest things is knowing what I’m having for dinner in the morning or even the day before because it sets up the whole rest of the day (that being said I DO NOT KNOW WHAT I’M HAVING FOR DINNER TONIGHT – most likely sushi). There are some other bloggers out there that are super planners and meal preppers on Sunday — I am not like that but I do like to look at the week ahead and see who is coming and going and which nights we will be eating at home and then checking out what’s in the freezer and what I need to get, etc.
I also – am a pre-tracker. If I know I’m going out and my intention is to have wine – I will pretrack the 2 glasses of wine in the morning.
And I also limit my wine to Friday and Saturday nights.
Pre-tracking is a great idea, I’m having that one!!