I use to wear a size 16 pants and one day I realized that dieting alone was not working and I was not happy with myself. I began to make lifestyle changes along with a committed and an industrious workout plan. One way I positively used my spare time was to strategically incorporate small values into everything I did and everyplace I went; I felt like I needed a starting point and from that minute I designed a personal plan for myself and eight months later I am down to a size 6 pants. I would like encourage others by sharing some of the personal values that have helped be a success in achieving my ultimate weight goal.
- 1) When you go to the store, don’t choose the closest parking spot to the door; instead park in the space that is the furthest from the door. These walks do not seem long, but keep track of your steps and you will be amazed how much they add up in a months’ time.
- 2) Join a health club such as the YMCA and be diligent in your exercise regimen. There are classes to take, like Yoga, Zumba, Hula-hoop, swimming, self-help motivational classes, or other specialty classes. Make this Your Special Time by realizing that others are in the same situation as you, maybe you will make friends along the way. Everybody has times where they dread going to the gym, but motivate yourself by saying “if I regret this workout after I am done, then I don’t have to come back.” Chances are, after you have had your workout; you will feel proud of yourself for the dedication and feel better mentally and physically and look forward to your next visit.
- 3) Keep fresh or canned fruit and vegetables in your house and eat as much as you want. It is very healthy, filling, and has a low caloric intake.
- 4) When you are not hungry and feel like you need to have a flavor of “something” in your mouth, try chewing on gum, such as spearmint or peppermint. There are varieties that have xylitol that actually help prevent dental cavities. Some brands offer a whitening formula to help your teeth their whitest. Do something healthy for your teeth while avoiding calories.
- 5) Instead of using a large plate, choose a small plate. This will trick your mind into seeing your plate being full and you won’t be eating as much.
- 6) Drink a glass of water before you eat. Water has no calories, is good for your body, and you will feel full with smaller amounts of food.
- 7) When you want something like potato chips or a candy bar, think to yourself, “if I do not eat this candy bar or these potato chips, which has approximately 200 calories, it is like deducting 200 calories BEFORE I eat it.” That way you will feel as though you have taken away calories and will not want to put them back on.
- 8) Maintain a healthy and sensible diet all week and once a week treat yourself to one (1) treat, such as an ice cream cone that you wanted and didn’t get. It will be your reward for being loyal to yourself. Take a small portion as a reminder to yourself that you are in control at all times.
- 9) When you are at the store and see something such as cupcakes or pass a fast food establishment tell yourself “if I do not buy this item, that money will be put into a savings jar.” That way you can save for something special for yourself, maybe a trip to the beauty salon. You will be amazed how much money you will accumulate in a short time.
- 10) When you are at the store and reach for a candy bar at the checkout line, look at the person next to you. If they are overweight ask yourself “do I want to continue to look like that?” If the person looks like somebody you would like to be modeled after, remind yourself “if I don’t buy this candy bar I will end up looking like this person” and smile when you return it to the shelf.
- 11) If you are self-conscious about walking in public during the day, then when the sun goes down, take your walk until you lose enough weight to feel comfortable walking where others can see you.
- 12) Take your dog for an extra walk every day or add 15 minutes to your walk. The time will go by quickly and the benefits will accumulate day by day.
- 13) Do not drink soda pop. It has no nutritional value and is high in calories. Instead, drink fruit juice or a vegetable juice.
- 14) If you feel the need to be doing something with your hands, do something constructive instead of putting food into your mouth. Pick up that knitting project you put down a few weeks ago, or begin a cross stitching project. Your mind and hands will be busy on other things instead of eating, and in the end; you will have a completed project to display to others that you can be proud of.
- 15) Have soup for lunch. It is filling, nutritious and low in calories.
- 16) When you feel that urge to snack during the evening, just substitute snaking with housework. Do that deep cleaning that you have put off. When you are done you will be tired and ready for bed and in the morning you will wake up to a fresh and clean environment, as well as having the satisfaction of burning off a few calories.
- 17) Don a pair of jeans that are too small and feel how uncomfortable it feels and strive for the day when they will fit with comfort. Every time you are tempted to excessively eat, think about how uncomfortable those jeans were and then strive for your ultimate goal.
- 18) Having a well working digestive system is essential to a healthy weight. So make yourself an all-natural fruit smoothie and add a tablespoon or two of flax seed for proper digestion. The added bulk in the diet will keep you feeling full and proper elimination will be achieved.
- 19) Post a picture of an obese person and a picture of a person you admire on your refrigerator door. Every time you approach the door, you will have a reminder as to what your weight loss achievement will be, as well as what you will look like if you continue to eat improperly.
- 20) Immediately after eating a sensible and well balanced meal, thoroughly brush your teeth. Doing so, will reduce the urge to snack because if you eat again, your teeth and mouth will not feel their cleanest.
- 21) Get a hypnosis CD for weight loss from the library, the internet, or a mail order catalog. Diligently play it daily (or according to manufacturer’s instructions) with headphones. In a few weeks you will be amazed at how much the power of suggestion will positively affect your life.
