Losing Weight

If you have had weight issues for most of your life, you understand that the struggle is REAL I have read almost every weight loss book there is, yet I still had trouble losing weight. I would get a new book and think, “Well, finally . . . THIS one has the answers I need!” Then a week later, I was back on my search for the next BIG thing that would help me melt all of this fat that had accumulated for decades.

After trying and failing on more occasions than I can count, one day I had an epiphany! Of all of the books and articles I had read on weight loss, I needed to find the truths that were consistent throughout all of them. There will never be a “one-size-fits-all”, in clothes or in diets. We are all unique individuals that need to tailor what we eat to our unique selves. Here are some of the basics that apply for everyone who seeks to have a healthy life:

1. WATER IS YOUR FRIEND!

About 60% of our bodies are made up of water. Although it is very tempting to have Sprite or Starbucks intravenously pumping through our veins (especially the Starbucks) we have to be sure that we are getting our fill of water. I have read that we need half of our body weight in ounces. I have also read that we need a gallon a day. I have heard that we need a minimum of 64 ounces. Whatever the amount, DRINK WATER!

Water is good for your skin. It helps prevent dehydration. It makes you feel fuller and more satisfied when you eat. It is good for your urinary and digestive health, as well as your mental health because if you are going to the bathroom regularly, you don’t have time to get caught up in other people’s drama. Don’t believe me? Try it!

2. EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!

One thing that has helped me is to make 50% of my plate vegetables and fruit, especially the green veggies. Why? Vegetables like broccoli help me to feel fuller and they help keep me regular. Fruits and vegetables are lower in calories, so you can eat more of them, get fuller and not gain crazy weight like you would eating rice or bread.

I understand that everyone isn’t crazy about fruits and vegetables. You couldn’t pay me to eat lima beans, radishes or blueberries. However, there are SO many different fruits and vegetables out there that we can all find something we like that is healthy for us.

3. CUT DOWN ON THE PROCESSED/FAST FOOD!

Now before you kill me, hear me out! The food industry knew what they were doing when they made all the bad stuff absolutely delicious. It can be difficult going into the store and seeing an organic bag of grapes for $7,924 a pound, when you can just buy a candy bar for 99 cents. I get it! Cooking takes time and one thing that most of us lack is time. We are always on the go. When we get off of work or go to lunch, it is simpler to go through a drive through and get a burger versus going home and taking an hour to prepare a meal.

When you are trying to lose weight, you will encounter this battle often. You will want to get the easy bag of chips or something on the Taco Bell menu. But by getting the habit of planning your meals, you can save yourself time, money and calories.

This is not an extensive list, but it is a good start and if you can stick with those three things, you will continue to make positive steps toward your weight loss goals. Now that we have covered the basics, here are three things to take with you for success in weight loss and in life:

1. DON’T COMPARE YOUR JOURNEY TO ANYONE ELSE.

You may look at your friends or family members that are at a certain size that you desire to be at. You may compare yourself to them from time to time, wishing that you could fit into their clothes. But Sis, you were not made to fit their mold. You may be healthy at a size 20 when someone else is healthy at a size 6. Appreciate your unique qualities and attributes. Don’t let comparison kill your shine!

Also, don’t let people tell you want to eat. Someone may be able to eat a whole pound cake and not gain an ounce. You may eat a bowl of rice and gain two pounds. Learn your body and what foods work for you through trial and error.

2. BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF.

Any diet that promises you to lose 100 pounds in 30 days is something that you need to run far away from . . . QUICKLY! It did not take you 30 days to gain all of the weight you want to lose. Even if it takes two years, be willing to commit to walking out the process. Life is not a destination but a journey. When you are content to take the journey step by step, you will be amazed at what you see and learn along the way.

3. HAVE FUN AND REWARD YOURSELF!

I really hate those people that are always announcing they’re on a diet, and that is why they act like they have a stick up their butts. Transforming your life should be exciting. If it feels like you’re crawling toward Death’s Door every day you wake up, maybe you need to tweak what you’re doing. If you feel like crap, make small adjustments instead of trying to change everything at once.

Plan out some gifts or activities you can give yourself once you reach your goals. For every five pounds you lose, get yourself a new water cup or nail polish. Give yourself something to look forward to that doesn’t revolve around food.

As L’Oreal says: Because You’re Worth It!