Lighten up and lose some weight

Lighten Up and lose some weight for mind, body and soul

There are so many benefits to letting go of excess weight.  Here are just a few to think about -

Benefits for your mind

• no more guilt over food
• no more focusing on your weight
• not worrying what people think
• more confidence

Benefits for your body

• feeling lighter physically
• able to do more of the things you enjoy
• more energy to burn
• healthier and less strain on your joints

Benefits for your soul

• freedom to be yourself
• focusing on your purpose
• putting energy into what matters
• letting go of other clutter in your life

You can make your own list.  Whatever inspires you to see that you are worth it.  Whatever motivates you.  It could be playing a sport or playing with your kids.  Just making a start to eat healthier, move more and have more energy.  Doing more actually gives you more energy once you get going.

Check out my first 10 posts to see how I did it.

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

What upcoming event will motivate you to lose weight?

What upcoming event will motivate you to lose weight?

Here are a few events people sometimes find are a reason to get the weight off -

• school reunions
• family reunions
• celebrations
• looking for work
• looking for a partner
• weddings

Once I read how women's weight can go up and down during the events in her lifetime -

• during courting average loss 2kg
• in a relationship gains 4.5kg
• for wedding loses 3.6kg
• having kids gains 6.5kg
• after kids loses 4.7kg

It is good to have something to motivate you to make healthier choices and lose some weight if you need to.  However it was better for me to do it at my own pace for health reasons without the added stress of one particular event coming up.  By the way I did go to a couple of reunions which is always interesting to say the least.

Was there an event coming up that motivated you to lose weight? 

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Counting calories, fat and sugar help

Counting calories, fat and sugar

It is important to have at least a reasonable idea of the calories, fat and sugar content of food.  You don't need to count every calorie which would be both tedious and boring.  However educating yourself will help you to make healthier choices and keep your weight under control.

For example I found out that an average muffin is about as fattening as have a piece of cake.

Having no more than 30 grams of fat per day or in any food is ideal.

Some of the ways you can find out the most important contents of food as far as weight management and nutritional value are -

• Having a small reference book like the long standing one above by Allan Borushek
• Checking the food label contents per 100g on packaged food you buy
• Googling the food item for a breakdown of the contents
• Checking menus and restaurant websites

The more you know the easier it will be to make an informed decision.  Remember to watch for the hidden calories in flavoured drinks.

Good luck

Any queries let me know.

Barb

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS

Dealing with opposition to weight loss

Dealing with opposition to weight loss

There are many ways you will be confronted with opposition on your weight loss journey.  I was surprised and a bit confused when I first saw this sign outside a café and then on the internet.  It does get your attention using humour to try to get you to their way of thinking so you'll spend more.

However you look at it people will try to play on your fears or tempt you in to do what they want.  The problem is you want to lose weight and be healthier so this doesn't fit in with your goals.

Some of the people and things you will have to learn to deal with include -

• Friends
• Family
• Co-workers
• Groups
• Parties
• Lunches
• Dinners
• Advertising
• Shopping
• Yourself

Ways to put opposition to you changing to healthier habits in it's place include -

• putting yourself first
• planning ahead
• having alternatives
• choosing the healthiest option
• eating beforehand
• being honest about your goals
• saying you have to for health reasons
• saying you have had enough for now
• politely declining their offer
• choosing a different café or restaurant
• making your own choices
• avoiding trigger foods and situations
• resting if you are feeling tired or stressed
• focus on enjoying other things besides food
• keeping away from the food table
• reminding yourself of your goals

It takes a bit of practise but it is surely worth it to be firm with yourself and others and stay focused on getting in shape and healthy.  The alternative is more guilt, self loathing or ill health.  So learn to have your "treats" if and when you choose to at special times now and then.  Don't please others too often at your own expense.

Cheers

Barb

p.s.  If the people around you won't accept the new you and continue to try to undermine you, you may have to see less of them or get rid of them from your life.  Also it's better to be a good example when you can, rather than try to convert others who may not be ready yet.

BarbeJeffs@hotmail.com

WL4MBS