Afew things I feel help towards weight loss goals.

[Direwind]

I thought I would put down some of the things i do to help me reach my goals.

Unlearning bad habbits and replacing them with healthier options, this one was really hard for me at first, but it was a game changer, the way i see it is that weight loss is a routine, the more you do it, the easier it gets and the small changes really matter.

Plan your exercise around your life, not your life around your exercise.  Oh, and listening to audio books while on a tredmill or exercise bike makes it awhole lot more interesting! I once actually wanted to stay  on the bike for another hour just to hear the end of a book!

If you find that you have put on weight or lost none at all DO NOT STRESS OUT! Dont get depressed or lose your motivation! what you need to do is use it, positively reinforce yourself mentally, make it a challenge to do better next week!

Sitting at home watching TV? take a walk, its much more interesting, I love to walk my dogs, maybe you can sell your servies in your spare time and walk other peoples dogs? i did this.

If you are exhausted, don't try to exercise, you may do yourself more harm than good. and you wont lose any weight because your bodies metabolic rate would be at rock bottom to save on energy.

Take up meditation, you may scoff at the idea, but Mental health has a physical effect on the body and your metabolism, meditation i found really helped me.

Diet protein shakes! they are a great way to aid in your goals! and a great snack! just make sure you drink your daily water too!

If you are on a cal controled diet make sure you have two days of the week where you eat normally(dont go on over the top tho), this will reset your body and stop you from going into starvation mode as often, its also some thing to look forward too.

eating too little is as bad as eating too much!

never! NEVER miss your breakfast! if you miss it, your body wont burn as much during the day. (protein shakes for the win)

your friends can be your worst enemy, don't let them lure you away from your diet goals, tell them no! you can ruin a weeks work within afew hours of being with your friends! (it prolly came across abit harsh, but i think you understand what i mean)

having an exercise friend really helps, its true what they say, "suffering loves company" which is why i always hike with my wolf hybrid freya (see avatar) She always has that waggly tail and big smile, and when i slow down she is always puts me back on track and pulls me forward into a large tree or spikey bush in pursuit of a squirrel.

Get up early in the morning, don't lay in bed and over sleep. the longer you are up, the more cals you use, but make sure to take naps when you need them because over doing it wont help you reach your goals.

Carrots! i find these the best snack food since greggs cheese cakes! i get hungry I eat a raw carrot or a protein shake and im good to go again.

Thats all i can think of for now! but i'd love to read any and all tips you may have

[Ruthie0217]

Thanks for the tips, I struggle everyday, with the added problem of Type 2 diabetes and insulin therapy weight loss becomes a big challenge, add to that my sedentary job and I get so discouraged and frustrated, I want to eat more.  Anyone who had ideas or encouragement or tips please feel free to share, and friend me... I am feeling alone with this...

Thanks,

Ruthie

[roxylee]

Hi Ruthie, I too have struggled with my Fibromyalgia meds and have an extra 50 lbs. Have recently lost 12 due to trying "Shakeology Shakes". I have one yummy shake with fruit and almond milk, then a half sandwich followed by smaller portion of what I made for dinner. The shakes are formulated with lots of vitamins and reduce your cravings. Now I need to start walking again! I hopefully will be back into some of my beautiful clothes in my closet!

Best Wishes,

Jen

[nikbear01]

Hello Direwind,

THANKS so much for tips!  I really like the audio book idea.  I usually read something and listen to my music when I exercise inside.  I just converted a spare bedroom to an exercise room and study so I hope I can exercise more.  What I'm trying to do is exercise every morning for at least 5 min. even if it's a little bit I think it will help me build a good habit of exercising everyday. 

I noticed that if I workout in the evenings it helps me burn off stress and relax more so I sleep better.  I really like your idea of a diet protein shake and carrots for a snack.  My big problem is I get BORED at work when it gets slow and I get hungry.  Today, I split my sandwich in half and ate one half later in the day around 5pm rather than having a high fat snack like candy.  So, it is the little things that count.  Also, I'm thinking about wearing my work out clothes for my days off so I will always be ready for exercise.

Thanks again,

[tredburn]

WHAT AN INSPIRATION.

[mlrose]

You guys all have such wonderful tips! And the audiobook for extra exercise -- that is definitely on the roster now!!

[Quaters5o]

That is wonderful advice, Thanks for sharing it with us ,some very interesting helpful ideas that i will be taking on board,

[Pjoe]

    The soundest info I got about a good diet came from a PBS channel documentary on the food industry, and Montel Williams.  Not that Montel has the best diet philosophy, mererly that I watched his infomerical several times and was persuaded to give it a try.

    The food industry claims, among other things in its defense, that it caters to the American appetite.  What Americans, all humans I would guess, want food that tastes good, is convenient, and inexpensive.  Which the food industry provides, although unhealthy.  (A liter of Coke a Cola is cheaper than a quart of milk.  Check it for yourself.  What would your children prefer, a glass of milk or a coke? Coke is good tasting, convenient and inexpensive.  The same goes for McDonalds, tastes good, convenient and inexpensive.  Plus everyone will have fun at there stores.)  Food that is expensive (organic), inconvenient to prepare, and may not taste as good as prepackage foods is difficult to swallow.  Such a diet is also difficult to follow.  Even if its very healthy.

    A diet high in fruits and especially vegetables, low fat dairy, whole grains, and lean meat is advocated by the World Health Organization.

    Mr Williams recommended his food blender as a way of imulsifying fruits and vegetables that is easily digested and absorbed.  It is good tasting if done correctly, somewhat inconvenient, and still expensive.  Those are obstacles that one has to accept if one wants a healthy diet.  Otherwise you will be consuming the food industry's menu.  Some are successful with those menus (prepared foods, Shakeology, meal replacement meals, excetera).  Many are not, and change menus regularly.

    For me---using a food blender for vegetables and some fruit is rich in nutrients and low in calories.  I will say that I have to go to the supermarket a couple time a week, buy some organic foods, and it does take some time to make several meals inadvance.  It can be prepared in batches, refrigerate for a couple days, and can even be frozen in proportioned amounts for daily consumption.  I will say that I can eat whatever I want as long as I get my daily smoothies in, about a quart or more.

    I have been doing this for a few years, lost 60 pounds, came off my high blood pressure and cholesterol medications.  I also use my Fitbit daily, aim for 10,000 steps.  I know I consume probably 10  serving of vegetables and 5-6 servings of fruits daily.  Sometimes it is hard to get it in for feeling so full all the time.  (I also add protein powder to the shakes and cut back on the quantiy of smoothes because I lost so much weight, fat, and muscle mass for my frame size people thought I had cancer).

    There is plenty of information on the internt/youtube for this type of diet.  I strongly recommend persuing this lifestyle of a healthy diet.  If not I wish you luck in protein shakes and prepackaged meal replacements, and a coke here and there.  The food industry will provide you with good tasting, conveniet and inexpensive foods.

[Quaters5o]

Yes i agree , fresh food, fruit, vegetables, i have a vitamix, i use it every day. and a good protien powder also helps, in put out put, our fitbit is great to keep us all on the right track. We are resposible for our own bodies not anyone else.The feelinf of fitness is the very beast feeling it all takes time.

[HelenaFitbit]

Great tips guys! 

My tip is weighing in snacks and storing them in tiny bags (100 calorie portions), so each morning I can get whichever I want that day (and I've got so many kinds!) that any possible craving is covered. 

[MeikeD]

Thanks for sharing your tips and weight loss success story!  I live in New England so right now I can't go outside for walks too often. Instead I go to the gym with my mom - that way we both get some exercise! Your wolf hybrid sounds like a very exotic pet who probably loves going for long walks. 

[nikbear01]

Thanks good tips.

[nikbear01]

Thanks!