Weight loss, A personal story - Weight loss tips and advice

Dear readers, I know writing article about weight loss and actually doing it, are two different things. Since I have personally gone through this weight loss process , I had the courage and motivation to write this article and encourage other women to do the same. I am not an expert in weight loss but I will certainly share my experience and views with you. After trying several weight loss programs and failing several times, I was not sure what to do. There was an urge to have a thin physique like many others around me, but I did not know really what to do. I even thought that getting obese was my destiny, but at the same time I could hardly tolerate the strange, pity and questionable expression in eyes of many people around me. Even the kindness of many people due to my over-weight seemed hurting in some way. One night while I was in my bed, I promised myself that this is the last time I am going to try once again, and this will be really be my best try. It worked, I was able to lose 40% of my weight this time in about a year's time and I really thank God for the determination and motivation he gave me to succeed in my weight loss target. Trust me the whole process was slow and required a lot of personal sacrifices and hard work.

1. Motivation for weight loss:
You need to make someone an idol for weight loss, someone who you know or have seen on TV. For me there was someone on the reality TV show "Biggest loser". Although they had the best trainers and equipment, I thought if they can do it in 6 months, then I with my limited experience can do it in 1 year atleast. I did take a regular advice of my doctor and my physio during my weight loss initiative.

2. Exercise regularly:
Even though this is the most important aspect of weight loss, it was quite tough in beginning. But I did it the right way - in a very slow and progressive manner. I started with 10 minutes of walk twice a day and gradually made it more brisk over time. Also increased from 10 to 25 minutes each session. My choice to do exercise was my home treadmill and sometimes a nearby park. As my doctor had advised not to over stress, there were times when I got pain in my leg with just 5 minutes of workout, but i stopped. I gave time to myself to heal and then back on schedule. Drink lot of water and as the muscles gradually build up, it actually helps even more to cut down the body fat faster.

3. TV, Computer and Video games:
When I realized that these three are truly my worst enemies, I took some drastic steps. I cut my cable connection and the regular channels that I got were boring enough to discourage me to watch TV for a long time. I gave my video game to a friend and limited my time on computer to emails and light surfing only. By cutting time on these three I also avoided the junk food I use to have (like cookies, chips and soda), while watching TV or playing.

4. Watch what you eat:
Very important !! Eat more veggies, fruits and whole grains. Drink water and watch out the calories in everything you eat. Make sure you are always consuming less than 2000 calories per day (around 1500 is even better). I did have to leave some of my favourite foods like pizza and hamburgers. I am not promoting any restaurant but Fresh Choice and Subway's 8 grams of fat sandwiches were a great help. There were times when my energy level was quite down, but I continued my weight loss program on the track. A useful website is calorie-count.com which gives good information about various in foods, even fast foods.

5. Smaller meals:
Eating smaler meals, even if you eat more than 4 times a day works better than bigger meals. When eating reduced fat foods, limit yourself to a normal diet ( and not more) otherwise the whole weight loss advantage is lost.

6. Stress:
Weight gain can also be because of stress, tension, anger and overall busy work schedule. Control your emotions and do not let these feelings deviate your goal. Whenever you are angry, count from 1 to 10 slowly and try to relax. It works quite well for me.

7. Avoid Impulse eating:
Do not eat because someone else is eating or simply because the food is very delicious. Giving yourself a break is a good thing, provided it is within limits.

8. Reward yourself - Buy new clothes:
If you want to buy anything then shop for clothes which are one size smaller than your current size. Motivate yourself that you want to fit into them within the next two weeks. Keep a written track of your progress if you can.

9. Ignore jerks:
People who comment about you or try to discourage you will eventually appreciate your weight loss success. Get motivation instead of anger out of those comments ... something like I have to prove them wrong ... period !!

10. Think about your loved ones:
Tell yourself that with a healthy body, I will probably be able to live longer with my loved ones. Keep a picture of them and tell yourself that I am also doing this because of them.

11: Some good Weight loss programs:
Although I personally did not, but I know a few people who has success with professional weight loss programs like Jenny Craig. See if they are are offered in your area. Otherwise, see a dietitian in your local hospital and if he/she offers any group weight loss programs.

12: EAT SLOWLY:
Appreciate the food you eat, bite by bite. If you eat slowly, it makes you feel that you have been eating for a long time. It might sound strange and funny but it worked in my weight loss program.

Just apply common sense in most cases. Good luck with your weight loss if you plan to do so.

Article Source: http://www.weightism.org