Take the Die Out of Dieting

By: Dianne Villano - CPFI  www.mypersonalfitnesscoach.com

If you are sick of losing the same weight over and over, tired of counting "carbs," tired of worrying about what you "can't ea,t"  or feeling like a failure because your last "diet" didn't work, try these "stress free"  tips. You will not only lose weight, but LOSE IT FOR LIFE!

• Be Responsible for What You Eat. Studies show that people who are 20 or more pounds overweight underestimate their caloric intake by up to 1000 calories per day, while people of a normal weight under estimate by only several hundred, There are 2 main culprits for this. First, many people are unaccustomed to "true" serving sized of most foods.

For a start, begin paying attention to the Serving size information on the foods that you eat. Also, it helps to use a measuring cup and food scale to acclimate yourself to what 1/2 c or 1 tbs. of something actually looks like. Second - Start paying attention to your unconscious eating habits -- at the television or the computer, in the car, while you're cooking or cleaning up -- and focus on consciously enjoying the foods you eat, while being aware of the calories you consume.

• Don’t Try To Change everything at once. Focus on making small. moderate changes in your lifestyle each week. Click here to learn more about lifestyle coaching & weight management programs. Each time you make a positive choice it will add up and bring you closer to your goals. If you eat just 100 less calories per day you can lose 10 pounds in a year!! 100 calories is equal to 1/2 cup less of pasta, 1 less tablespoon of butter, or 1/2 cup less of ice cream.

• Just say "NO" to excuses. The difference between fit and unfit people is their habits. There are the same amount of hours and stress in each week for every one of us - those who fit exercise and healthy eating into their lifestyles don't have more time or less stress, they just have healthier habits. The next time that you are unable to follow through on one of your weight management goals - Identify the challenge and prepare a plan for the next time. Don't dwell on it or make excuses for why you can't do it. Be prepared.

• Close Your eyes and visualize. Keep you going, even when you don't feel like it or when the going gets rough. You know the drill, the schedule is hectic, the french fries or candy is calling your name and it's just easier to slip back into your old unhealthy habits.

Take a moment and visualize the slimmer, healthy more energetic person that you want to be. Remember the reason why you started your fitness or nutrition program in the first place!
Create a clear mental picture and use it next time you feel like you are losing site of your fitness goals.

• Don't let weight loss dominate your life. Recognize and design a plan for your trigger times: those times that you eat from habit, not hunger. Be it stress, anger boredom, or family events--create a plan for those times that you have a challenge following your food plan.

Also, planning in advance what you will eat for the day will allow you to fit snacks and treats into you day without having exceeding you daily caloric allotment. Having both a food plan and a "food trigger" plan will allow you to focus on other things throughout the day aside from food. click here to learn more about lifestyle coaching & weight management programs.

 

Copyright © Custom Bodies, Inc. 2005

Article written by Dianne Villano, President of Custom Bodies. Custom Bodies has been serving the bay area since 1996 with weight loss & fitness programs for every fitness level. Dianne is a personal fitness instructor certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a frequent speaker on health and fitness related topics with articles published in over 20 media outlets including Weight Loss & Obesity Resource Center, Women’s Exercise Network, Self Growth , Gateway to Beauty & Life tools for Women.

For more articles or free  fitness tools visit www.mypersonalfitnesscoach.com