HOW DO I LOSE WEIGHT?

Change in any form is never easy.  When you have done something the same way for so long, it almost seems impossible to do it differently.  In fact the emotional response that crops up in your bodies and minds when you think about change can sometimes drive many to reach for more food.  You have to find healthier substitutes to deal with your emotional and psychological needs.  It will not be easy and some may need to seek professional help in the form of a counselor, or if you believe in God, pray for courage and strength to resist the temptation of your flesh. It is not an all or none endeavor.  Some days will be better than others and some days you may have set-backs; however, keep your eye on the ultimate prize and keep taking one step at a time.  Do not get discouraged when the weight seems to stay the same despite your good effort and keep reinforcing the new habits by doing them even when the results don’t seem to be happening.  You are making progress even when the number on the scale does not change because you are creating new pathways to healthier habits that will benefit you in the long run.

IF THERE ARE NO MEDICAL CONTRAINDICATIONS, try to incorporate the following into your new regime:

• Drink more water daily.
• Do not skip meals.
• Get some daily form of exercise (walk a few blocks instead of jumping on the bus or in a cab; climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator or escalator; etc.).
• Find the healthy foods that you enjoy and use them in moderation as fillers (when you think you are hungry, snack on an apple with peanut butter or carrot sticks with humus).
• Eat smaller portions (we live in a society that seems to encourage super-sizing; however, excess food only gets stored as FAT).

Treat yourself with things that do not cause weight gain: a movie, a massage, a conversation with a good friend, write, listen to music, or take a walk.

SOURCE OF IMAGE: SHDR