|
|
Talk It Out:
|
|
"I do
not diet but I do have some tricks that seem
to work well for me when it comes to
slimming down after having a baby or after
holidays, etc. I don't eat meat so my diet
is fairly healthy. I do have a terrible
weakness for sugars so I try to make it one
square of good dark chocolate that I suck on
(chewing doesn't allow me to enjoy the rich
flavors as well and sucking on the chocolate
helps the taste last longer in your mouth!).
I also eat five smaller meals throughout the
day instead of two or three huge meals. I
snack frequently on fruits and vegetables.
I stay home with my children and they are home schooled. We are together almost all the time while my husband is away on long business trips. I use as many opportunities to exercise as I can while watching my children's activities. For instance, there is a playground near where they have baseball games. I try to use the monkey bars, pull up bars, basketball court, etc. Even waiting to cross the street, you can be doing toe lifts (basically, work your calf muscles while bouncing on the balls of your feet) or walking in place. The higher you lift your knees, the more muscle you build and the more fat you burn up. I work in our yard doing general upkeep, chopping wood (with a sledge hammer and wedges) or gardening. Best of all, these activities are all free - no gym fees, babysitter charges or extra gas to burn going from place to place!" ~ Melissa
"I've been using sparkpeople.com
It's free and such a great support system and accountability. The
motivation, information and training is fabulous. I've been serious with
it since mid January and have lost 30 pounds and 41 inches from various
parts of my body. I use a pedometer (Omron HJ112) to track my steps per
day. When I started I barely achieved 5000 steps but now I'm over 15000
steps a day. I walk a minimum of 60 minutes at an aerobic rate. I highly
recommend sparkpeople.com
It's awesome." ~ Rebecca J
"I empathize
with anyone. Feeling like a rising muffin is frustrating! Going
through the same thing. I have recently lost 10 pounds and
several inches from my waist and thighs. My strategy was really
simple. Move, move, move. Two workout sessions a day 15 - 30
minutes each depending on my free time. I also drink lots of
water and eat more veggies. I replaced one meal a day with salad
and made sure to eat a high fiber cereal for breakfast. Boring
but it works." ~ Suzi
"I joined Weight Watchers
in February of 2007. I am proud to say I have lost 19
pounds. My goal is 24 -- leaving me 5 more to go. This is
a fabulous program, very easy to follow and the meetings are a
blast. At the weekly meetings we exchange recipes and low point
snack ideas. Wished I would have joined sooner. You have to want
to lose weight. This is something you can't do half
-heartedly. It is a new way to cook--for life." ~
Tonya
"Diet alone won't do
it...Exercise -- simple walking -- will do wonders. Water or
water with lemon -- drink it before, with, and between meals. It
will do wonders to fill you up, remove fat, and keep your blood
sugar down. Measure what you eat. Eyeballing portions don’t
work, and watch those portions. Reduce fat...skim milk has just
as much calcium and no fat and is better for you. Have snacks --
small snacks between meals. A V-8 is my afternoon snack,
and a glass of milk is my bedtime snack." ~ Patti
"I think first of all the key to success is to eliminate the word 'diet' and move toward the mindset of healthy lifestyle change. Diet implies deprivation. A healthy lifestyle does not. Choosing healthier foods is good for us and gives us more energy; therefore we do more (whether it be bicycling, walking, gardening, etc.) and the healthy cycle begins. Eliminate the word 'can't.' 'I can't eat that piece of cake.' Yes you can, in moderation. Of course you can't have cake every day. Once you get in the habit of eating healthier, your body will crave those good foods. I have a difficult time grabbing food at a fast food joint because although I am hungry, I know that after I eat that hamburger or fries, I will feel tired and sluggish. While I personally do not need to lose weight, I need to watch what I eat to have enough energy to keep up with the kids and to keep me from catching all the illnesses that make their rounds every year. In terms of exercise, for me the key is to keep it fun and make it a routine part of your day (like brushing your teeth). I have tried the 'buddy system' and that worked until the 'buddy' obtained a part-time job and the times she could come were hit and miss. Find a time that works for you and schedule it in. Be flexible. When my kids were little I would exercise (with videos or lift weights) while they were napping. When they were 4 and 5 I would exercise at home at a time when I knew they would be content playing by themselves. When some of the older ones were at sports practices I would walk the arena stairs or walk around the soccer field. Now that all six are in school (ages 7 - 16) my husband and I try and walk in the evenings after the two youngest are in bed and the others babysit. After about three weeks you will 'crave' these walks. Lastly, if you fall off the horse, get back on. If circumstances are that you missed your walks/workout for two or three days or however long, get back to your routine as soon as you can. Good luck ." ~ GG "My secret to success? www.fitday.com. I used to attend WW, but found myself paying just to weigh in, or else paying both WW and a babysitter. Fitday keeps me accountable without the guilt factor. I also invested in a nice digital scale and weigh in daily. Since my departure from WW in February of this year, I've lost 14 lbs. If you use Fitday online it's free, or you can buy the program for your PC for something like $20." ~ Emily "I've gained and lost many people over the years. :-) About two years ago I found 'Setting Captives Free' and not only lost weight but kept it off. It is a Bible-based course, The Lord's Table, and is FREE. It is definitely a win-win situation. You grow spiritually and losing weight is just an added blessing. Check it out at www.settingcaptivesfree.com." ~ Mary "The
South Beach Diet changed my life! It is the only one
that has worked for me, especially without adding exercise.
I know, I know -- I should exercise, too, and I’m trying to
include walking regularly, but at least I’m losing weight!
After reading the paperback with its 'Shed Belly Fat First!'
teaser, I began the diet two months ago and have lost 9
pounds. Although that may not sound like a lot, I
believe weight stays off longer if eliminated slowly. I
followed the very strict Phase I for two weeks, and the
results were immediate: within two days my clothes fit
better and I felt better. No headache, growling stomach, or
weak knees on this diet. I will stay in Phase II until I shed
at least one or two more pounds. In Phase III I will gradually
reintroduce more of the foods that I know cause weight gain
for me, but I will do so in moderation, because I enjoy
feeling and looking better than before in my clothes.
Editor's Note: Thanks to these subscribers for taking the time to respond. |
Home
Products and Resources
Speaking Engagements Nancy's
Itinerary |