Secrets of Success

I grab my fat

When I want to eat something I don't need, usually a Snickers, I grab my belly fat. I reminds me that I already have a Snickers in storage.

Treat It Like A Job

When I asked a young woman who had lost 200 pounds how she did it, she said that she treated weight loss like a job. No matter how she felt, she showed up. She showed up at the grocery store to buy the right food, she showed up to track her food, she showed up to walk, etc.

CHOCOLATE

I love chocolate but I have a tendency to overindulge. So, to combat this I buy an extra large chocolate bar and break it into pieces. I put them all in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer. When I crave chocolate I take out just one piece and because its frozen it takes longer to eat. This way I savor the taste.

snack instead of dinner

If you want dessert, or an unhealthy snack...then count that as your meal...not on top of your meal!

Night time eating/bingeing

I have learned that I gained most of my weight bingeing in the evenings in front of the television once my children went to sleep. What helped me acheive my goal weight was the following. Keep low calorie snacks handy if you really need to eat. Do not allow high calorie foods in the bedroom if that is where you watch TV or work on a computer. (I stick with 94 % fat free popcorn or an apple.) Learn a craft like cross stitching or crocheting to keep hands busy instead of your mouth. Good Luck!

For the "Rule Followers"

I have six simple rules that, if I follow, will help me lose weight. (1) No white starches (flour, rice, potatoes); (2) no refined sugars: the obvious ones - pop, candy, ice cream, cookies, cake, etc.; (3) NO EATING PAST 7pm; (4) One small exception a day: 1 cookie, 1 square of chocolate, etc... this way, those cravings are satisified, but with boundaries; (5) no alcohol (stupid source of calories, plus I tend to "cheat" more after a glass of wine)... and (6) MOVE... DO SOMETHING physical.

Eat Slowly!

Put your fork or spoon down between each mouthful. Chew and swallow that bite before picking up your fork/spoon again. This allows your brain to recognize your "I'm full" signal more easily and definitely before you've eaten too much.

Shakes and Water

I drink a healthy meal replacement shake for breakfast and sometime have another for lunch then a regular meal for dinner.. The shakes are quick, full of protein and taste great. I also drink at least 8 oz of water 8 times per day. I snack 3 times a day with no more than 200 calories per snack. I never feel like I am dieting since I eat so often.

Figure out what you are hungry for - it might not be food

Hunger isn't necessarily for food!

When I am tired, I am hungry for sleep.
When I am thirsty, I am hungry for liquids.
When I am feeling down, I'm hungry for support.
When I am feeling lonely, I'm hungry for people.

Don't eat food when you need friends, or fluids, or sleep!!! Recognize what your hunger actually is for, and satisfy it with what it is craving.

Ice cream rarely gives you extra sleep, quenches your thirst, or gives you a hug!

Flavored Water

I add flavor from real fruits to my water. This gives it a natural taste without the artificial sugars.