So You've Decided to Lose Weight ~ Now What?

Why do you want to lose weight in the first place?  Is it to look good or fit in that new dress or pair of jeans or to turn heads at the next class reunion?  Why do you really want to lose weight?  Have you considered that being overweight is also a hazard to your health?  Most people really do not understand  the risks of being overweight.  While looking good or fitting into that new pair of jeans is certainly a benefit this should not be your sole reason for losing weight.  Overweight and obesity kills thousands of people every year.
 
Overweight and obesity are problems that continue to get worse in the United States.  This is a result of bigger portion sizes, little time to exercise or cook healthy meals, and relying on cars and public transportation to get around.

The Risks of Being Overweight
Being overweight can lead to such diseases as cancer, heart disease, stroke and diabetes to name a few.  So please understand that overeating, an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can increase your chances of getting these and other diseases.

Do 'Not' Go on A 'Diet'

The first thing most people think of when losing weight is 'going on a diet'.   No, No , No. 'Diets' are temporary fixes.  You should think of losing weight as a 'permanent lifestyle change'.  You will probably need to learn new and wiser eating skills and re-arrange your mind set.  Consider the last time you went on a 'diet'- you were probably miserable, right?  This is because most so-called 'diets' are restrictive, forcing you to eat only certain food (i.e no carbs, juice only, special soups, veggies only, etc...) and the list goes on.  If you are like me you have probably tried some of these before. I will say that diets are diets and many people have found success with a number of them. However, the real 'key' to losing weight over the long term and keeping it off is to make gradual lifestyle changes that you can stick to.  Try some of these ~ use fat free milk instead of whole milk, drink water instead of high calorie soda, start eating smaller portion sizes, eat leaner cuts of meat such as chicken and turkey, snack on peanut butter, light popcorn, low fat cheese and fruit instead of chips and junk food.  These lifestyle changes then become a part of your 'normal'.

Losing Weight and Becoming Healthier
With so much conflicting  information in the media most people are not provided with the truthful facts about losing weight and becoming healthier.  With all of the fad diets, and quick weight loss gimmicks it is understandable that so many people really don't know the truth about losing fat and keeping it off long term.
Simple Fact:  You are either gaining fat, or losing fat; there is no in-between.  Well, duuh you say.  OK, consider this.  How many times have you justified binging because you came to a road-block?  or how many times have you said "well since I messed up today already at lunch, I'll just eat what I want for dinner"~ or "I'll start eating healthy again on Monday".  You know the deal.    So what did binging do for you?  You gained more fat and took a step backward from where you were - get the picture? The trick is not letting the road block completely derail your entire lifestyle change.

Have you thought about (up until now) how much you consume each day?  Many overweight people eat thousands of extra calories and fat without even realizing it.  It is hard to know if you are gaining weight or losing weight each day unless you are actually keeping an eye on what you are consuming.  You can do this by keeping a journal; a journal can help you keep up with your daily food intake and other things pertinent to your weight loss program.

Natural Dietary Supplements
There are a variety of supplements on the market to help you lose weight, maintain weight, boost your immune system ~ the list goes on.  Some of these can be very effective in your weight loss program.  Please research any supplement that you decide to use and make sure that it fits into your personal weight loss plan. Also remember to consult with your physician before taking any supplements or beginning any weight loss program. 

Finding and Implementing Your Weight Loss Program

There are many weight loss plans and programs on the market today.  Do your research and find the one that is best for you.  Many programs today are more flexible than they once were. You will want a program  that gives you some control rather than a one-size-fits-all program that imposes rigid demands.



Keep in mind also that your weight loss program should also include some type of physical exercise.  You might consider this as the 'fun' part of your program.  Consider joining a gym or working out with friends.  Incorporate everyday activities such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further down the parking lot or taking a walk at lunch.
 
Once you have made up your mind to lose weight, the first thing that you must understand is that this will be a long term commitment.  How long, depends on the amount of weight you want to lose and your own personal goals. If you have tried to lose weight in the past or if you know someone who has - we all know that it can be quite a challenge.  In fact, for some people it will just be down right tough.  Remember, it takes time, practice and support to change lifetime habits.  And remember it is a process, it will not happen overnight but it can happen and you will succeed and reach the goal that you have set.  However, at the end of the day it is You and You alone who has the power to lose those unwanted pounds.

Learn how to find and implement your own weight loss program~ Miss Julia's Weight Loss Guide (Eat to Live~ Don't Live to Eat)



To Your Continued Health and Success !
Miss Julia