Truthful Diet Advice Appreciated

Hi E.,

When I first decided to lose weight my motivation was doing it for my children. I wanted to be around for them. Secondly, I had to change my state of mind. I didn’t want a diet, diets are temporary. I needed a change that would last the rest of my life, so I started researching information on becoming an all around healthy person. From eating to exercise to sleep to limiting stress in my life which included the things I could and couldn’t control. I went the whole 9 yards.

I’m a busy single mom with 2 boys, and 2 jobs. I’m now 48 and at age 45 it took me one year to lose 80 pounds of fat. I went from a size 23/26 to a size 12 and have kept it off since 2006.

I took baby steps and set daily and weekly goals for myself in order to reach my ultimate goal of fit by 50. If I didn’t meet one goal for the day, I learned not to beat myself up and strive to do better the next day.

Sometimes having accountability works. If you, a loved one and/or friend decide to become healthier together and keep each other accountable that can also be a great motivating factor.

Remember, the weight didn’t come on overnight, so don’t expect to see it go overnight. True weight loss is gradual about 1-2 pounds a week. Strength and interval training is one of the best ways I found to lose and get into shape and doesn’t require a lot of time or working out every single day for an hour or more. I know I don’t have that kind of time.

Figure out what is your healthy goal. What weight/size will you be happiest at? Remember healthy comes in many forms and there are no magic bullets. It takes persistence, dedication and yes, it can be fun.

Good luck.

Weight watchers is the best program. You have to stick with it. But you will see the pounds come off.

E.,
I am in a similar boat; and the best thing I've ever done is Weight Watchers. I lost 25 lbs on the program about 2 years ago but went back to my old ways and had a nasty little fling with ice cream :) so I am back on program and it works. The thing I really like about Weight Watchers is that you can eat anything you want(all foods are assigned points) Once you eat all your points for the day you're done. I used to go the meetings but now do it online and the online community is really helpful with tips. I also find this is a good program as a mom because it is "regular" food I don't have to make another dinner for the family.
Good Luck.
A.

Check out this website www.bodyforlife.com Instead of protein drinks you can substitute real foods for your snacks.

E....I am a huge fan of the South Beach Diet. The thing that I like is that it is not so much a diet as a lifestyle change in eating. It is very easy to do and you don't have to buy foods or anything; just cut out sugar, eliminate the bad carbs (not all carbs), increase your intake of vegetables and fruit, and monitor the types of fats you're eating. Plus, once you become familiar with it, it is very easy to adapt your everyday cooking and it is easy to maintain even if other members of your family aren't technically on the diet. You can use it for everyone and they won't be the wiser. Please note...this is not like the Atkins diet. (My husband and I tried that and we felt awful and stopped.) I recommend reading the book, it's very simple and easy to read. I also used their website for the first month to find recipes (they have some really good ones) and do menu planning. My husband and I did the first two week plan and we felt great. Then we progressed to the level 2. I lost a total of 20 pounds, just by modifying my diet and walking (I'm a teacher and walked for 15 minutes at recess everyday.) Feel free to email me if you have any questions. Good luck and best wishes with whatever plan you choose!

You don't need to go on a diet. You may just need to take a seriously look at what you are eating and tweak things a bit. I highly recommend you see a nutrionist, to make sure you are eating the right things at the right times and the right amount for your activity level. Plus, find a way to get excersise. I know we are all busy and going to a gym can be overwhelming and time consuming but find what works for you, videos at home, walk during lunch or in the eve, joining a gym, etc.. You need cardio and weight training to get your metabolism working for you. You also have to eat to do this. This is all very realistic for everyone, some just need a bigger push than others. If you need daily motivation, join an online group. I think Jillian Michaels (the biggest loser trainer) has one, I know Bob Green (Best Life) has one, many to choose from that are only a few bucks a month that can help point you in the right direction. Just depends on what your knowledge of nutrition and excersise is -if you lack any - then seek professional help, you don't need a gym or nutrionist forever, just until you can do things right on your own.

Don't just say today that you want to loose 40lbs... get out and do it! You CAN!!!!

Best wishes to you!!
M.