How to Create a Weight Loss Plan That Works for You

Do you always slip up when trying to get rid of extra poundage? Is it difficult for you to stay on track when trying to lose weight? Many people have this problem due to lack of motivation and pure laziness. No worries, there is a way to keep on track, if not push you even further. Read this wiki to learn how.

1 

Go to your doctor to find out exactly how much you should be aiming to lose, if any. Your doctor can also help you determine whether you're physically capable to do strenuous exercises and workouts. They can also give you some basic tips on calorie counting and decide what will work best for you. I understand many people don't like the stress of going to the doctor with the possibility of being diagnosed with something critical, but just get over it and go. It's not going to hurt you. In fact, it will do the exact opposite. It's better to know now when it's early than later in bed at three in the morning.

 

2

Go to the local supermarket and stock up on fresh, healthy food. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what's healthy and non-healthy so don't stress over this too much. The key here is that you're going to be doing a lot of snacking throughout the day so try to buy [a lot] of snacks. No, I don't mean Lays Potato Chips and Doritos. I mean berries, melons, assorted nuts (except cashews), Nature Valley granola bars, apples... you get the picture. Oh yeah, pick up a couple of sticks of sugarless gum (Orbit is best, in my opinion). They're very helpful when dealing with snack cravings.

3

Buy or make your own calendar. This will be the number-one most important thing here. If you're feeling artistic, you can make your own calendar using a computer software program and design to your heart's desire. Just make sure you have enough months in your calendar (EX: If you're aiming to lose 30 pounds, have at least 4 months. If you're aiming to lose 100 pounds, have 12 months. If you need to lose more than 100 pounds, I'd recommend asking a doctor how long it should take you).

4

Pick a day where you don't have much planned (preferably within the week) and circle it with a Sharpie marker. This will be your starting point. Go to the back of your calendar and circle an appropriate day in which you will finish. This way, you'll have a specific deadline to meet which will give you a path to follow. Now it's time to get logical and a little creative. Take three Sharpie markers of different colors (let's use blue, pink, and gray in this case). Using three forms of exercise (strength training, walking, and cardio in my case), assign a color to each.

• Strength Training = Blue
• Walking = Pink
• Cardio = Gray
• Mark on your calendar which days to do each specific workout.
• It's better to assign your tasks randomly so that a) you won't get sick of the same routine and b) so that you can "shock" your body into losing weight.

 

5

Post your calendar in a spot where you'll always see it and don't forget to do what it says. If it says you have to do cardio, do it. If you're a little sore, don't make it so intense; jump rope if your muscles are sore.

6

Assign yourself a reward at the end of every other week if you manage to keep on track. For reward week, make the reward worth more. Here are some examples:

• After 2 weeks - day of relaxation
• After 4 weeks - manicure at the salon (yes, guys can get manicures, too; have those nails buffed!)
• After 6 weeks - dinner at an exquisite restaurant
• After 8 weeks - haircut and dye
• After 10 weeks - bowling night with your friends/family
• After 12 weeks - buy three new outfits at your favorite store
• After 14 weeks - facial and massage at the spa
• After 16 weeks - shopping spree!

 

7

Remember the age-old saying, "Don't give up!" It's true, do NOT give up. The hardest part about losing weight is getting started, so the earlier you start, the more you'll be inclined to finish. If it helps, think about your next reward week. Imagine yourself cutting into a tender piece of steak in a dimly-lit restaurant wearing a cherry red dress or showing off your bowling skills to your buddies down at the local alley.

•   Try not to think about the facial massage or shopping spree when you're only at week two because you'll get discouraged if you don't lose the amount of weight you hoped you would lose. If you're on week 3, only think about that manicure! 

Tips

• If you're having trouble counting calories, here's an idea: pile your plate with portion sizes you would usually have. Then, using a fork or knife, cut everything in half -- every main dish, every side dish, and even your drink (except water or milk). Put the other half on a dish and cover it with tinfoil and stick it in the fridge. Voila! Now, tomorrow night, you won't have to cook dinner! It will just be every other night.
• Never work yourself too hard. it's bad for your health and wears your body down.
• Drink filtered water only. No bottled water -- most water companies water comes from wells underground and are not filtered properly (like Aquafina). Instead, purchase a light-weight metal water bottle and fill it with filtered Brita or Pur water. By doing this, you'll save tons of money and keep those plastic bottles out of landfills.
• Don't drink diet soda of any kind. This might be the #1 rule of any weight loss regimen, but it's true. Diet soda might not contain any calories or carbs, but they contain chemicals such as aspartame which actually increase appetite. If that doesn't convince you, think of it this way: if you're not drinking calories or sugar or carbohydrates, what are you drinking?
• Some people don't like the taste of water. If you don't, try adding a lemon or lime slice to it to give it some zest. The vitamin C is also a bonus, too.
• It can help to eliminate salt (which retains water) and sugar from your food completely, or just cut down drastically.
• When grocery shopping, take a second look at everything you're putting in your cart and ask yourself, "Will this help me lose weight?" If the answer is no, put it back on the shelf and walk away as fast as you can.
• If you're in school, it's best if you do this plan during the summer, starting as early as possible. That way, you can come back to school next year slimmer and healthier. Try to start on June 1st to get a head start.
• When lifting weights, increase the amount of weights instead of the amount of reps.
• If you're too busy to workout, sneak them into your appointments and activities. If you need to go grocery shopping, try walking to the nearest deli instead and only get what you really need. If you have to drive to a meeting across town, go a little earlier than you planned: park a couple of blocks away, take the stairs, "get lost" (wander the building for a while to burn off extra calories).

 

Warnings

• If you're losing weight with other family members or friends, try not to get too competitive in losing weight. A little competition can be very motivating, but don't try to become as competitive as contestants on The Biggest Loser or you'll seriously hurt yourself.
• Don't get discouraged if you've been dropping like a stone and suddenly come to a plateau. That just means your body is getting used to your new body. This is also a chance to challenge yourself and change up your routine.
• Your results may vary.
• Don't weigh yourself every day. Your body's weight is supposed to fluctuate about two pounds every day. Instead, weigh yourself every other week.
• When exercising, only do as much as you can. Yes, try to push yourself, but if you're feeling dizzy or dehydrated, take a break for a while.
• Consult your doctor for more nutrition information as I am not a doctor.

 Written at http://bit.ly/1hwGIOd

17 Habits Of Thin People -–Habits That Can Help You Keep Your Weight Under Control

Imagine the freedom thin people have to eat anything at any time they wish to eat.

“Aren’t they worried about chances of some disease? How do they maintain to be slimmer always? Do they have any secret habits behind this? Are they thin by nature or have they adopted any peculiar workout to become thin always?”

Well, here you will find some interesting information about the habits of thin people.

These are not something very different from what normally people do. But skinny people might do things differently than a normal person does. Let’s take a look at those habits.

What do thin people do?

1. Completely avoid snacks

Eat three meals in a day. It can include lean protein, fresh and useful vegetables, a good amount of grains etc. Having a well balanced meal without any fatty snacks in between is what they usually do.

2. Water is the primary and most preferred beverage

Our body needs a plenty of water to keep our cells hydrated.

There is no such replacement for water. Drinking tea, soda etc are never good replacements for what water provides to our body.

Almost 80% of our body is in liquid form anddrinking pure water makes sure that our body temperature is kept balanced.

3. Never worry about their body weight

This is one of the main reasons that stop you from freely eating your choice of food. Instead ofworrying about your weight, start eating in an enjoyable manner which can make you healthy and active.

Always think positively by saying yourself that, ‘I am healthy, I have a fit body and I am at my right weight.’

4. Always eat Breakfast

Being the first meal of the day, it is never a good idea to skip breakfast.

Breakfasts jumpstart your day by ‘breaking the fast.‘ It is very significant to have this meal even at your workplace, at your home, the farm, at office, or in school.

Eating a healthy breakfast keeps you set for the rest of the day.

5. Do not skip meals

Naturally thin people never skip meals, especially breakfast.

Have you ever skipped your meal expecting to lose your weight?
If so, keep in mind that you are inviting some diseases your way! Skipping a meal and keeping your stomach empty is harmful for your stomach and its digestive system.

Moreover, the next time you eat after a skipped meal, you have all the chances to eat more food which in turn increase the calories.

6. Concentrate and enjoy the meal

If you notice you can see that skinny people do not do any other activity while they eat. This takes away the entire fun and enjoyment of your food [conscious eating].

7. Know when to eat

Thin people are usually softer. They do not allow any one to spoil their mood. They do not let anyone else down. And they stick to their 3 time meal schedule.

As in some cases, the feelings like disappointment, anger or sadness are misinterpreted as hunger and people tend to eat more [emotional eating].

8. Avoid typical foods

Most of the thin people do not like foods that have the possibility of expansion inside the stomach after we eat.

Bread is a typical example for that. Once you eat a few pieces of bread, it gives you a feeling of full stomach.

But in actuality, it gets expanded inside your stomach and gives you that feeling. Thin people try to avoid these types of foods.

9. Keep away from ice creams

Ice creams contain much fat and less taste except that it is sweet. Flavor is very less in ice creams.

It is always better for you to choose some flavored dish, even though it is just a spoon full.

This always has the advantage over the large amount of half-flavored dish you eat.

10. Eat later

Imagine you are hungry and about to leave your office. What would you do? Will you wait until you reach home and eat something?

Or you would stop by at some of your favorite restaurants on the way home? Normally, people who are overweight do not withstand hunger but thin people are always able to do so.

11. Tired to eat

Unimaginable, right? But there are some cases of thin people who find it a very heavy task to spend time to eat.

12. Sleep as in demand

One of the attracting habits of thin people is that they sleep like their body demands.

Just imagine if you are sleepy and hungry at the same time. What would you prefer to do then? Many of the thin people might give themselves a nap first and then eat and enjoy their food later.

13. Eat when they are hungry

Have you ever tried to find the difference between being hungry and waiting for the time to eat?Naturally thin people eat when they are really hungry.

In other words when it is their eating time, they really are hungry. As said earlier, they are hungry because they do not take in any snacks between their 3-meal schedules .

14. Never cheat the mind

“It is enough. I will eat this too even though it is my most favorite dish. Well, let me have this piece too since my friend is insisting.”

These are some typical instances where you might overeat sometimes. This does not happen with most naturally thin people. They stop eating when they think it is enough for them.

15. “I am hungry”

Desire to eat at a given point of time is not hunger. If you are an over weighted person and so much used to eat, it is definite that it would be very difficult to differ the real hunger even if the time is on.

How do thin people handle this situation? They take only a small portion of food. This would be something good to adopt to bring down your weight.

16. Hate when stomach is full

Some studies have shown that thin people do not like the feeling of a full stomach. They think that it greatly affects their following time at office and their work performance.

17. “I know how much to eat”

It is true that you eat only 3 times a day.

What if you get to eat your favorite dish all the time? Would you stop when you have to? This is very much important.

Most thin people are able to stop when they are done with their portion even if it is their favorite food. So the next time you see a thin person pass by your direction, you no longer have to be puzzled why they are thin and look leaner than most of the people around you.

They just happened to employ ordinary measures that all the other thin individuals do. Thin people just happened to approach life differently. In this regard, it is never too late to change yours.

If you want to become thin, you might as well consider what have been doing and try incorporating their healthy habits to your lifestyle. Who knows, after a month or two you will already achieve what you have been dreaming about.

Lastly, don’t be insecure with thin people because sometimes their bodies were just made that way.
Written by Neelima Reddy at http://www.weightlossdietwatch.com/features/17-habits-of-thin-people/

I Can't Exercise! How Can I Lose Weight Without Exercise?

Weight is a problem for a large percentage of Americans - and the biggest problem is how to lose weight when you're over 50. You can't do the same sorts of exercise routines that younger people have the ability to do. So where do you go for weight loss? It's simply not feasible to go out jogging, or lifting weights at the gym - particularly as you get older injuries become far more serious, and take longer to heal.

I understand the problem well - having spent many years in the Marine Corps, but then leaving the service, only to then find that my weight ballooned as I stopped the strenuous exercise routines that all Marines undergo daily. So I started running again, as you might know, Marines like to run 3 miles for the fun of it. But old injuries started popping up, and my knees and back couldn't take the long runs.

Yet I needed to lose weight... does this sound like a familiar problem?

The answer I found was two-pronged, I had to find another form of exercise that I could do with my tired broken down body - and I had to change the way I eat. The solutions that worked for me was learning about food - what was good for me, and what was not. (It's downright amazing what ordinary foods Americans eat that is simply bad for you!)

The exercise that I found, after a great deal of research, was a 'rebounder'. Sometimes known as a mini-tramp. The exercise you get simply jumping up and down on a rebounder is almost beyond belief... after my first 30 minutes, I had to stop - I was sweating as if I'd just finished a three mile run! Yet my knees felt no pain, and my back was in fine shape. So for me, a combination of relearning what and how to eat, and finding an exercise that I could do with no pain was my answer. I dropped close to a hundred pounds, and am still losing weight. What about you?

Original Article by Steve Laws available at http://ezinearticles.com/?I-Cant-Exercise!--How-Can-I-Lose-Weight-Without-Exercise?&id=3207546. 

Interested and want a rebounder for yourself? For your own rebounder, go to HERE.

10 Video Games That Will Help You Lose Weight

Losing weight is a combination of a well maintained diet and a regular exercise routine. Finding the balance between diet and exercise can be a challenge, particularly when time is limited and gym memberships are too costly. Exercising from home has become a practical option. A variety of interactive video games combine constant activity with sensor and motion controllers to create a complete workout in your own living room.
Video games as a fitness alternative may seem like an oxymoron. Playing video games are often equated with a lack of physical movement and laziness. With the advent of more participatory, motion sensitive, video game controllers, the physical movements of the player are required to progress the game. Fitness video games take the movements one step further to engage the players in various types of fitness routines and workouts while measuring physical abilities and progress.
When shopping for fitness and exercise enhancing video games, it is logical to start in the video game section of an electronics store or in video game stores. These stores will not only carry the video games but the video game equipment required for play. Shopping online is also an option for researching and finding the most fitting video game to help with weight loss. An online marketplace such as eBay offers a wide variety, with the ability to comparison shop and narrow searches categorically.
The following 10 games will help to enhance a fitness regime and help with weight loss.

Where to Begin

The following table details each of the 10 active video games, the types of game consoles that are required, any special equipment that may be required to participate in the activities, and the rating of the game. Utilizing the details in the table will help to discern which games work with certain consoles or which games may not be useful without certain equipment.

Game	Console	Equipment	Rating
Your Shape	Xbox Live	Kinect	E
Active 2	Xbox, PlayStation, Wii	Kinect, Body Tracking, Balance Board	E
Wii Fit	Nintendo Wii	Balance Board	E
Dance Dance Revolution II	Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, TV Plug and Play	Dance Pads (come with the game)	E
Biggest Loser	Xbox, Wii	Kinect	E
NFL Training Camp	Wii	Balance Board, heart monitor included	E
Zumba Fitness	Xbox, Wii, PlayStation	Kinect for Xbox and Move for PlayStation	E
Dance Central	Xbox	Kinect	T
Gold’s Gym Cardio	Wii		E
Kinect Sports	Xbox	Kinect	E

Because video games are designed for various types of game consoles, a player may decide to either pick fitness games designed for a specific console or games that may be based on a specific type of exercise regime for maximum results. Should the purchase of extra equipment be a concern, focus on the games that either come with their own special equipment or that have a variety of programs that do not necessarily require additional equipment.

1. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

Created by UBISoft, the Your Shape video fitness program is designed specifically for Xbox Live. The game offers over 90 hours of activities for players to design their own workout. Players can choose from boot camp, boxing, jump rope, yoga, and dance. Workouts are completely customizable so that beginners as well as advanced users can tailor their own levels, goals, and preferences. The Kinect sensor is required to participate in the various workouts and programs. The motion tracking and projection technology that is built into the game with the use of the sensor provides feedback specific to the player (even projecting the player on to the screen) and his or her body, so that movements can be guided and improved for optimal results.

2. EA Sports Active 2

Developed for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii by EA Sports, this video game offers over 70 exercise routines complete with the guidance of a virtual personal trainer. The player is able to track heart rate on screen with various features for each type of game console. Because there are slight variations for each console, the features of each type are detailed below.

Xbox 360

The version created for the Xbox 360 includes a built-in heart rate monitor to track heart rate on screen. With the Kinect sensor, the game also includes wireless full body motion tracking to help with seamless workout experiences, creating hands free workouts. The Xbox version offers over 70 exercises and activities and the possibility to enroll in a 9-week program developed by personal trainers for optimal body conditioning and freshness of workouts. The player also has the option of using a built-in personal trainer as a guide and downloading new content.

PlayStation 3

The PlayStation version includes all of the features offered in the Xbox version. The only difference lies in the video game equipment. The Body Tracking wireless system for PlayStation uses motion sensors in leg and arm straps to track body movement.

Nintendo Wii

The version created for the Wii does not include the option for downloadable content. Unlike the Xbox and PlayStation version, the Wii motion tracking does require that the player hold the Wii remote, in addition to attaching motion sensors, therefore the player is never completely hands free. EA Sports also developed the aspects of the game to be balance board compatible, however the player much purchase the balance board separately.

3. Wii Fit Plus

The Wii Fit game developed completely for the Nintendo Wii gaming system tracks a player's weight, body mass index, and center of balance in 40 activities. The various activities include yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balance. The range of exercises is designed to accommodate advanced fitness gurus and beginners, alike. All routines can be customized specific to preferences and types of activities, even focusing on certain movements and body parts. Much like the Wii video games, the Fit Plus incorporates competition and fun into each routine type, even developing various competitive sports such as hula hooping for snowboarding around the various types of exercises. This game requires the use of the Wii Balance Board.

4. Dance Dance Revolution (various versions)

For those who may be seeking a physical workout combined with fun and dance, Dance Dance Revolution may be an entertaining alternative. The original game was developed in 1998 complete with a "dance platform" upon which the players dance to music and special routines produced by the game. Due to its popularity, versions of the game were released to arcades in a larger, interactive format. The game is not typically promoted as a fitness game; however, the rigorous dance routines set to top 40 hits offer maximum aerobic workouts complete with a calorie-counter. Versions are available for every type of gaming console, as well as a version developed for directly plugging into the television.

5. The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout

THQ developed this game, based on the NBC reality show of the same name, specifically for Xbox and the Kinect platform. The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout is hosted by the trainers from the television show, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, and offers over 125 exercises and routines. Players are able to work out with friends online and keep a video diary. Another version has been developed for Wii, but it does not include all of the additional features that are included with the Xbox, such as online workouts and video diaries.

6. Active NFL Training Camp

A football based training program, this video game includes training drills and workouts similar to those created for actual football training camps. The more than 70 drills and exercises were developed in collaboration with NFL training coaches to be just as effective and improve strength, power, agility, and balance. Players can track progress, choose a particular NFL stadium, and workout alongside some their favorite NFL players.

7. Zumba Fitness (various versions)

Zumba is a Colombian fitness dance program created in the 1990s which combines dance and aerobic elements. The choreography includes aspects of hip-hop, samba, salsa, mambo, martial arts, squats, lunges, and belly dance moves. As a way to bring the Zumba class into the home, the Zumba Fitness games combine the popular Zumba dance workouts to strengthen and sculpt the body while offering a well-rounded cardiovascular workout. Players follow various instructors in a variety of Zumba dance routines.

8. Dance Central

Much like Dance Dance Revolution, this game is primarily promoted as a dance only game, rather than fitness specific game. However, dancing can be a powerful ally in the venture to lose weight and stay in shape. This game includes an instructor who takes the player through individual dance moves as a measure to learning a full dance routine. Once the player learns the moves, he or she then participates in the full routine set to music from popular artists. Because the game was not developed purely as a fitness game, there are no progress trackers as offered with some of the other fitness and sports games.

9. Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout

Based on the "shape boxing" workout, the exercise video includes a variety of physical challenges aimed at enhancing cardio fitness. In partner with the Gold’s Gym fitness center chain, the game was developed as highly intensive, physically demanding workouts. Features of the game include cataloging workout schedules and helping to determine fitness levels depending on the way the player performs in initial workout routines.

10. Kinect Sports

The sports video game that is designed for the Xbox Kinect enables the player to become the game controller. Soccer, tennis, skiing, basketball, golf, baseball, and football are some of the sports that are included in the game which also allows for players to compete online with other players. Motion simulation brings the players into each game, simulating the participation into various types of sports with various performance levels and challenges. Players can also download additional content to expand the features of the games.

How to Buy Video Games for Weight Loss on eBay

When shopping for fitness and active video games, you may want to begin by evaluating which games work with which consoles. If you are limited by equipment or type of console, search only for fitness games that are developed for that particular gaming system. When shopping for video games online, the process can be a bit overwhelming considering the large number of choices available. Perusing the listings in an online marketplace such as eBay helps to narrow down choices and organize fitness and sports games by preferences.
To locate fitness and sports video games on eBay, begin in the Electronics section. From here, select Video Games, Consoles & Accessories and select Games to reveal all of the video games listings. From here the games can be categorized by console, genre, condition, or region. Selection Simulation or Sports will help to narrow down the listings to more sports and fitness related choices. However, to find specific games, a specific search such as "fitness video games" or "exercise video games" will narrow the search to games specifically designed for exercise regimes.
When shopping for a fitness video game, you may want to consider that most sellers, just like retailers, will not offer a return policy on a new game. Unless the game is damaged or not in working order, you may not be able to return your purchase. If you have questions regarding the return policy or any other aspect of the purchase, eBay has a convenient "contact member" portal that you can reach simply by clicking on the seller’s screen name.

Conclusion

Losing weight can be an uphill battle that may seem even more daunting with the prospect of joining a gym or fighting cold, rain, or extreme heat to exercise outdoors. Enrolling in classes only offered at certain times or hiring a trainer also put constraints on scheduling and the pocketbook. The fitness and sports video games developed for various gaming consoles offer an interactive alternative to fitness without having to leave home.
In addition to a variety of fitness and exercise video games that have been developed, there are a range of sports and dance videos that require the same amount of activity and commitment. If you are having trouble deciding on the type of fitness or exercise or video game to help you lose weight, first start by evaluating which types of activities most interest you. Depending on your abilities and interests, there are a variety of choices to help you on your quest.
When shopping for video games to help you lose weight, consider which games will work well with which gaming consoles. Shopping in an online marketplace such as eBay will help with evaluating and categorizing each type of exercise video game to narrow down your choices. Once you have focused on a certain type of exercise related to your interest, you will be on your way to goal kicking, cardio boxing, or dancing to a trimmer you in no time.

Available at: http://www.ebay.com/gds/10-Video-Games-That-Will-Help-You-Lose-Weight-/10000000177628511/g.html

Experiences from Real People

 You may think it's shocking and unbelievable, however this truthfully has worked for thousands of women, so what makes you any different? It's not perfect and it isn't exactly the same for everyone, but try it and I guarantee you'll see a change. Here are some testimonials from women who have tried it before you:

 

Sherah Taylor, Oregon

Vital Stats: Age 36, weight lost 60 lbs., inches lost: 12" on waist, 7" on hips.
Eight children in 12 years and I look and feel better than I ever have in my entire life! I've always had the determination and willpower to exercise and eat right, but was never EVER able to see such unbelievable results until I found Venus. I pinch myself every day to see if I am dreaming...

 

 Terry C. Warrington, Pennsylvania

Due to time constraints I typically do half of a workout in the early morning and either finish it that night or the next morning. I do not spend a lot of time in the gym working out. This program is so doable even for someone who works full-time and is very involved in my church, son’s school and has a very active social life. I love the VF workouts and my body has transformed into something I thought I would never have! At my age I cannot believe the shape that I am finally getting, and I owe it all to the Venus Factor program.
My 54th birthday is next month and I want to thank John for creating a workout and an environment that has helped me have the shape I have always dreamed of, I feel awesome!

 

 

Barabara Highland, Mexico

Vital Stats: Age 44, weight lost 50lbs, inches lost: 9" on waist, 10" on hips.
After following the program to the T, here I am now, three months after, 44 years old with the same waist I had in college, with a ten month old baby, fit and strong as ever and with the toned body I always dreamed of (without exercising, of course). I look better than most of the girls I see at he gym that are less than half my age. Thank you John.



 To find out more, go to http://smplw8loss.venusind.hop.clickbank.net/. 

Proven Methods to Avoid Overeating

If you have ever tried to lose weight, you know how difficult it is to stay clear of the foods that caused you to gain weight in the first place. Once you start a diet, how many times do you search for reasons to tell your self, it's ok, have a piece of cake or slice of pizza? If you're like me, fairly frequently. The problem is, once I have a "forbidden food", I tell myself I might as well go ahead and eat want I want the rest of the day and then start fresh tomorrow. Tomorrow comes then I tell myself, I will wait and get a fresh start on Monday. If you are a career dieter, you know exactly what I am talking about.
There are several situations that cause me to repeat this cycle over and over again.
I will share four of these situations and what I do to overcome the temptation.

Situation # 1 - Parties and Social Events

 Christmas parties, birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, etc. What they all have in common is an abundance of food. When you pass on that piece of pie or cheese dip, other guest encourage you to try just a little. They tell you one piece won't hurt; besides it's a special occasion. Soon you have a nibble then another and so on. Before you know it, you are stuffed and feeling guilty.

How I avoid it:
Just before leaving, I will enjoy a large healthy meal so I am full for the next couple of hours. If I do get hungry, and I typically do, the first thing I will go for is the veggie tray. Often times, veggies may not be available so a little food knowledge will come in handy. Search the table for other healthy alternatives. If there are sandwiches on whole grain bread, you are in good shape. If not, toss the bread and enjoy a piece of ham or turkey. Just stay away from the chicken wings, chips and dips. If you are asked to bring a dish, make sure it is healthy choice so you are sure to have a healthy snack. Many times I will bring the veggie tray and/or flavored rice cakes. If you have no other choice, choose the healthiest food and eat a small portion.

Situation #2 - Spouse or Significant Other Sabotage

It's difficult to eat healthy if your spouse or significant other does not necessarily eat the same way. Not that they would try to sabotage your diet, it's just not food choices they currently want to make.

How I avoid it:
My wife does not always eat the same things I do, but that's ok. We normally make enough chicken or fish to last a couple of days. That way I always have a good choice for a lunch, snack or dinner. If my wife decides she wants pasta and garlic bread, I boil broccoli, heat a piece of chicken and we are both happy. If she insists on Chinese, I will make the healthiest choice off the menu and eat in moderation. I just make sure it is the exception and not the rule.

Situation # 3 - When Looking in the Mirror, you don't see yourself as Overweight

How I avoid it.
Many times I look in the mirror and say to myself, "self, you don't look that over weight". When I see a picture with me in it, my response changes, it's more like, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe how fat I look. So grab your worst fat picture and keep it with you. Next time you decide you want a piece of pizza, look at the picture.

Situation # 4 - All or Nothing Attitude

This situation is my worst enemy. A cold Friday night, my wife and I snuggle up and watch a movie. She decides she wants pizza so I think about situation # 2 and say ok, I will have just a piece or two. Well the pizza gets there and I have a piece or two. Next thing I know, I am telling myself, "well, you already blew it, might as well eat all you want and start fresh tomorrow.

How I avoid it.
This is the most difficult situation for me. I find often times I just can't avoid it so we compromise. Normally, we decide I am too weak. She understands and supports my efforts to be healthy. We will opt instead to make our own pizza. You would be surprised how good a whole grain tortilla, grilled chicken, fat free cheese, tomato sauce, onion and turkey bacon taste oven baked!. There are times she will order a pizza but she will either get a personal size or the next smallest. That way, if I do fall to temptation, there will not be too much to eat.

Written byMike Conley at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Proven-Methods-to-Avoid-Overeating&id=340641

Developing a Healthy Weight Loss Plan

This has been in for a long while now; a little flab here and an extra inch there are widely regarded as being bad news. Look around and you will see weight loss representatives eager to help you start off on programs for healthy weight loss. "Healthy" -- now that is a word to emphasize. Fad diets are all over the place these days. Most often, they are not ways of guaranteeing healthy weight loss. After all, what is the point of losing weight if you end up with metabolism-related problems? Obesity does lead to health problems, but so do fad diets. So how does one come across a healthy weight loss program?

Obesity eats your energy levels and affects your self-esteem. Your neighbors might suggest a crash diet program that worked wonders for her. However, this does not mean that the same diet would work for you. Yo-yo dieting is bad news for health more often than not. Cut down on your fatty indulgences and drink some protein shakes and you could be on your way to losing fat and building muscles. On the flip side, however, you could end up with kidney troubles. Similarly, reducing your calorie intake might help you shave off a few inches in the short term. However, the weight loss might not be a permanent one.

So how does one come up with a healthy weight loss plan? Popeye, the well-known cartoon character is always shown eating spinach, while his friend Wimpy is constantly chowing on hamburgers and fries. The results are there for all to see. While Wimpy is flabby, Popeye is muscular enough to take on any villain that comes his way. It is just another reminder that the key to healthy weight loss lies in eating right.

To begin with, one's weight loss targets need to be reasonable. You can't just wake up a week before Christmas and hope to lose twenty pounds before that Christmas Eve party. Not only is this an unreasonable target, but achieving it can only be done through unhealthy means. You need to develop a healthy weight loss plan. This would involve setting reasonable goals. Tell yourself that you will lose two pounds a week and work towards it. Start slow, be patient and be persistent -- that is the secret to healthy weight loss.

It is best to visit a doctor or a qualified dietitian to figure out what would be a healthy weight loss plan for you. Each person has a different kind of metabolism combined with different health issues. You will need to chart out a suitable diet plan that will give you your daily dose of carbohydrate, calories, proteins, fats, and vitamins. You would also have to start doing some regular exercise. You could set out for a jog every morning; or you could get together with some friends and join an aerobics class. If you are the sporty type, playing tennis more often could work wonders. Healthy weight loss need not be a faraway dream if you are focused on your goal.

"Lose 10 Pounds in 1 Month" (realistically)

Written by Ethan Quinn and available at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Developing-a-Healthy-Weight-Loss-Plan&id=1330590

Dieting on the Holidays, Tips For Christmas

If you have been on a diet or maintaining your weight and you don't want to blow it during the holidays, here are some healthy holiday tips.

Can one meal of eating whatever you want really hurt you? The answer is yes. It does a couple of things. After you eat the big meal, it could make you feel sluggish, which will get you a little depressed, because you knew you should not have eaten that much. Then you could see a couple pound weight gain.

You should enjoy some of your favorite foods in moderation. You only live once, and the holidays are important. Don't try to totally diet, it could backfire and make you feel more stressed on the holidays. Treat yourself to good food, less fat, and moderation. Don't use January 1st as a date for watching you weight again. Watch you weight the day after the big holiday meal. Here are some tips for the holidays.

Don't bring home leftovers from the relatives house. That will not be a good idea. If you have leftovers, save just a little bit for your house. Give the rest to your company.

You can substitute some of your foods with less fat ingredients, or less fat items.

Instead of making a turkey, and using heavy stuffing, make Cornish Hens. They are like little chickens with a mild taste. Stuff it with Lipton-Knorr Chicken Rice - Rice Sides, a package rice you prepare. When preparing only cook on stove so it is still pretty moist, when you stuff it in the hens, it will cook more in oven. When hens are almost done drizzle on top Ocean Spray can fruit, Crushed Fruit, it is in a container in the fruit isle that looks like a soft margarine plastic tub.

Instead of Green Bean Casserole, just make some of the steamable whole green bean variety bag and sprinkle 2% Parmesan cheese on top. Squash or yams baked with a little light margarine and cinnamon is also good. If you must have rolls, eat only one. Pillsbury make a reduced fat crescent rolls, that you bake.

Here are some kid friendly low fat desert ideas. Make Rice Krispie gift package treats. Make Rice Krispie Treats as indicated on back of cereal box. I only use 2 1/2 tbl of margarine not 3. Cut into small squares, take the peeling kind of red licorice, the string kind, and wrap around each side of treat and tie in a bow. Take a round plate and layer them around, put another set of treats , going in a little. Keep adding layers until only one will fit on top, and it should look like a tree.

Take fancy beverage glasses, and make Jell-o Parfaits, with sugar free Jell-o and lite Cool Whip. Use red and green Jell-o. Refer to Mykoodles.com for recipe.

If you are making cookies on the holidays, give some away as gifts. Only keep a few days worth in your house. Oatmeal raisin cookies are healthy, if you don't eat a lot. Peanut butter is a good source of protein, but is high in fat.

Written by Lauren Jones at: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dieting-on-the-Holidays,-Tips-For-Christmas&id=1754814