More Helpful Hints

Portion Control

--Use Small Plates and Bowls

--I try to avoid "seconds" of anything, but if I do, its a veggie, or salad dish not a "meat" dish

Slow Down When You Eat

This was one of the hardest parts for me. I am a fast eater so I had to find a way to force

myself to slow down

--Take a Single Bite, and Chew Thoroughly

--Take a Sip of Your Drink between Every Bite

--When You Take a Bite, Put the Fork DOWN and chew

Then Take A Sip of Water/Drink

When you have completely finished swallowing, then pick up the fork again

(It sounds so basic..but it works)

You'll also get fuller quicker, because you are savoring every bite, instead of rushing.

General Eating Healthier Hints

There are times I still emotional eat..but now instead of choosing a Wine Cooler and Raw Cookie Dough..I use fresh vegetables - carrots, and especially strawberries are comforting and delicious

I've heard from multiple people "Anything in Moderation" - although I don't practice it.. So if you want chocolate or a donut - have a bite, or a half a piece, but no more. I've gone without for so long that I am afraid if I have it..I will re-develop cravings for those items.

When I crave something sweet, I substitute the following:

--Fruit

--Candy Fruit Slices (ie Orange Flavor) - It has carbs, but no Fat and no Cholesterol.

(I only have these rarely)

--Sherbet/Sorbet. I always keep it on hand now - Lime, Orange and Lemon are my Favorites

I do have "Splurge" Meals - but over time, even my splurge meals have gotten healthier. I used to think "I'll just work it off tomorrow" but now I'm at the point where I don't even want to take those calories in and HAVE TO work it off later. I initially "allowed" myself one splurge a week, but they have definitely gotten healthier, and fewer and farther between the more the weight has come off.

Exercise/Working Out

--Start out Small, and Work your way up.

--When you're ready, increase in 5 minute increments (it won't seem so big that way)

--There are days I dont really feel like going. But once I've worked out, I ALWAYS feel better

--Vary your Workout. Mix Things Up - So your body doesnt get used to it.

If you do the same thing all the time, your body gets used it..

Mix things up to keep your body challenged and losing weight

This includes varying the times of your workouts, and the type of workout and machines used

--Treat your workout as an appointment on your calendar. I go right after work.

--For Me, my workout time is my ME Time. No cellphone, no TV. Just me and My MP3.