Secrets of Success

Just stay with it

I find there is nothing special that is needed. Also, for me, keeping the same weight after a weight loss of a couple of pounds counts as success. Anything other than gaining it back again. I always think my body needs to adapt to a new level. After a while there will suddenly be a new slide, loss of 4-5 pounds, then the challenge is to keep that sudden weight loss real.

stop trying so hard

after reading everyones' great suggestions, i realized that the best way to deal with my plateau was yes change some part of my daily exercise routine and eat smaller meals,but i also came to the conclusion i was not GAINING. yea! i was more relaxed and enjoyed my workouts and time with my family.

Staying cool in hot weather

I have a harder time with exercising when the weather is hot, even with a fan or a/c. I really like to be outside. Cooling bandanas are great to help with this. You can get a pack of 4 reusable ones from Amazon.com for $8. You put one in cold water for usually 20-30 minutes, wring it out, and put it around your neck or tie one around your forehead. They have special little beads sewn into them that retains and hold the cooling moisture in. Great for walking, gardening, even hot flashes.

Focus on what you CAN do - Think Positive

Start where you are, and instead of making excuses, DO WHAT YOU CAN. Try to push yourself just a little, and celebrate each success.

Taste and smell: Understand smell is a large portion of flavor & eat mindfully

Nearly 90% of what we call taste is actually what we smell.
Use this to your advantage by eating slowly and mindfully.
Savor your food. Smell it before putting it into your mouth. Chew thoroughly. Experience it with all of your senses. This will allow you to experience pleasure, satisfaction and satiety, and reduce overeating.

Grocery tips

Make a grocery list from your week's menu plan. Do not shop when you are hungry. PUT THE GROCERIES IN THE TRUNK of the car and don't nibble on the way home. Go in the door closest to the fresh produce. Avoid processed foods if you can. AND READ THE NUTRITION LABELS.

HUNGER ?

IF HUNGER IS NOT THE PROBLEM
THEN FOOD IS NOT THE ANSWER

Ever lost a pedometer

I have worn a pedometer faithfully for over a year now to log my steps. When I first started wearing one, it got knocked off my pants waistband a couple of times and one time I lost it that way. So then I started clipping it to the waistband of my underwear instead of outside. Now I haven't had that happen anymore. My pants or skirt keeps it from getting knocked off accidentally.

Great Advice From an Unusual Source

"Promise me you will always remember:
You're BRAVER than you believe,
and STRONGER than you seem,
and SMARTER than you think."

Christopher Robin said this to Winnie-the-Pooh, written by A. A. Milne in 1926!! Still true today.
This helps me when I feel overwhelmed, or just plain tired.

Choose a favorite and say no to the rest

If you have a "trigger food" or binge item, one thing that helps me is to decide only to eat one type. I'll have a small serving of strawberry ice cream but say no to every other flavor or brand, just to keep from eating it except as a special "treat." Make a decision it is not worth it unless you have your choice - choose to say no otherwise.