Succeeding at the Writer's Diet

Writing has always been the apple, the carrot, the flourette of broccoli - the stuff that's really good for you, that thing that gives you energy - and usually gets passed up for the chocolate cake, the cheesy pizza, last night's 1.5 hour re-run of Along Came Polly.

Maybe that's why all of the health articles I've read lately have begun to sound more and more like a writing mentor. One thing's for sure: there's a lot a freelance writer can learn from a dietician.
(For the real article, See http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-secrets-to-diet-success)

1. Don't Expect to Lose 30 Pounds in a Few Weeks
...or gain 30 acceptance letters in a matter of months.

2. You have a better chance at keeping the weight off if you lose it slowly
"People who are starving [or impatient, as the case may be] get irritable and have a higher failure rate."

3. Say No to the Boston Creme DoughnutAnd tonight's re-run of Along Came Polly.



4. Avoid the "I've Already Blown It So I Might As Well Eat the Whole Bag of Chips Ahoy" Syndrome
One missed day of writing does not make a failure. Unfortunately, it isn't a good excuse to forego today's writing and hit the mall, either.

5. Don't Be a Perfectionist
Or rewrite that first paragraph until the sun goes down...and comes back up.


6. Look for People at Your Local Y, Overeaters Anonymous, or an Online Support Group
Yes, it does exist!: http://www.procrastinators-anonymous.org/


7. Don't Let Your Weight Plateau Get You Down
"You've been doing everything right, exercising and eating well, and the numbers on the scale have been steadily dropping. Then suddenly: Nothing. The scale stays stuck for several days in a row. According to Ann Kulze, this is perfectly normal.

'Turn it around and congratulate yourself on the [writing] diet success you've had so far,' she urges. 'This is a natural part of the process.'


8. Reward Yourself
"Set minigoals along the way and reward yourself when you reach them. Your reward could be a massage, a round of golf, a new pair of jeans, or a hot bubble bath. 'Celebrating your diet success will fortify your resolve to continue,' says Kulze."


9. Remember that Healthy Eating is a Lifelong Goal, Not a One-Time Project.
And National Novel Writing Month is not contained to one month, but to one novel.