Dj
03-26-03, 06:05 PM
I'm sure some of you are doing great...... then there are those that want to do great, but just can't get started. Coming from a place of having been right there just at the first of this year, I can tell you that it will happen if you just keep trying. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and move in a forward position. It doesn't matter that you might not be losing fast... or even not losing.... as long as you aren't gaining! Just make small changes at first and you'll get where you need and want to be!!!
____________________________________________________
10 Tips of Encouragement
Losing weight and getting fit can be a rewarding journey. Before you start or anytime you feel your motivation waning, return to this page for affirmation and inspiration.
1. Be patient. Of course you want to see results quickly. But remember: Being honest with yourself, visualizing your goals and making the commitment to change your lifestyle are the keys to long-term success. These things take time.
2. Rediscover good eating. Learn everything you can about low-fat cooking, try some exotic fruits and vegetables, or taste-test some low-fat products until you find your favorites. Rather than feeling deprived, look at food in a new, exciting way. It will do wonders for your willpower.
3. Think movement! Introduce some everyday activities to help make exercise more of a habit than a chore. Take the stairs instead of the escalator and walk rather than drive. Plan active outings instead of going to a movie. You can even make cleaning the house an aerobic exercise: Dance like crazy -- no one's watching!
4. Stay flexible on food. You don't have to nix all your favorite goodies, nor should you feel guilty or abandon your goal if you occasionally splurge. Enjoy every bite, then balance the rest of the day -- or the next day -- with healthier foods.
5. Splurge on water. Think of water as a treat -- your body sure does! Try it bubbly (in flavored seltzers) or on ice with citrus slices. Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is essential to losing weight. It also keeps digestion smooth, cleanses your body and curbs hunger. And it's great for your skin!
6. Know your needs. If you're susceptible to attacks of the midday munchies, keep something crunchy and satisfying -- like fresh fruit, low-fat pretzels or sweet baby carrots -- in your desk. If you always want something sweet after dinner, don't fight it. Plan a scoop of low-fat frozen yogurt or sorbet into your food plan.
7. Get scale-smart. Put the scale away if you're trying to lose weight. Weight fluctuates too much day to day. Visit your scale once a week or less and you'll start to see results.
8. Be goal-oriented. The most successful people in life set goals to reach what they want. Write down your goals and watch yourself make them happen.
9. Tap into visualization. If you can imagine it, you're that much closer to getting there. Visualize your body without all those unwanted pounds. Each day, picture yourself getting a little slimmer. It will keep you focused and reaffirm good feelings about yourself and your commitment.
10. Track your progress. Write down the new foods you discover, every mile you walk, how you deal with cravings, every goal you attain, when your clothes start fitting better, the first compliment you receive -- all your finest moments. There will be many!
____________________________________________________
There are some other articles that go along with this one and they are all great. With April around the corner, I'll be posting them all. Don't hesitate to print them out if you feel you need to read them more than once. I do that and it's really helpful when I am really tempted to dive into the food......
Take care and remember there is no such thing as FAIL in your vocabulary. "I have not failed 10,000 times....... I have simply found 10,000 things that do not work!"
____________________________________________________
10 Tips of Encouragement
Losing weight and getting fit can be a rewarding journey. Before you start or anytime you feel your motivation waning, return to this page for affirmation and inspiration.
1. Be patient. Of course you want to see results quickly. But remember: Being honest with yourself, visualizing your goals and making the commitment to change your lifestyle are the keys to long-term success. These things take time.
2. Rediscover good eating. Learn everything you can about low-fat cooking, try some exotic fruits and vegetables, or taste-test some low-fat products until you find your favorites. Rather than feeling deprived, look at food in a new, exciting way. It will do wonders for your willpower.
3. Think movement! Introduce some everyday activities to help make exercise more of a habit than a chore. Take the stairs instead of the escalator and walk rather than drive. Plan active outings instead of going to a movie. You can even make cleaning the house an aerobic exercise: Dance like crazy -- no one's watching!
4. Stay flexible on food. You don't have to nix all your favorite goodies, nor should you feel guilty or abandon your goal if you occasionally splurge. Enjoy every bite, then balance the rest of the day -- or the next day -- with healthier foods.
5. Splurge on water. Think of water as a treat -- your body sure does! Try it bubbly (in flavored seltzers) or on ice with citrus slices. Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day is essential to losing weight. It also keeps digestion smooth, cleanses your body and curbs hunger. And it's great for your skin!
6. Know your needs. If you're susceptible to attacks of the midday munchies, keep something crunchy and satisfying -- like fresh fruit, low-fat pretzels or sweet baby carrots -- in your desk. If you always want something sweet after dinner, don't fight it. Plan a scoop of low-fat frozen yogurt or sorbet into your food plan.
7. Get scale-smart. Put the scale away if you're trying to lose weight. Weight fluctuates too much day to day. Visit your scale once a week or less and you'll start to see results.
8. Be goal-oriented. The most successful people in life set goals to reach what they want. Write down your goals and watch yourself make them happen.
9. Tap into visualization. If you can imagine it, you're that much closer to getting there. Visualize your body without all those unwanted pounds. Each day, picture yourself getting a little slimmer. It will keep you focused and reaffirm good feelings about yourself and your commitment.
10. Track your progress. Write down the new foods you discover, every mile you walk, how you deal with cravings, every goal you attain, when your clothes start fitting better, the first compliment you receive -- all your finest moments. There will be many!
____________________________________________________
There are some other articles that go along with this one and they are all great. With April around the corner, I'll be posting them all. Don't hesitate to print them out if you feel you need to read them more than once. I do that and it's really helpful when I am really tempted to dive into the food......
Take care and remember there is no such thing as FAIL in your vocabulary. "I have not failed 10,000 times....... I have simply found 10,000 things that do not work!"