Just for those ladies who are in the weight loss game:

(I am losing weight too, but not joining the competition.  If I join, I start taking drastic measures that will cause me to set unrealistic goals that will set me up for failure.  But if anyone wants any of my weight loss tips, here you go.)  I also don't pay too much attention to the scale.  I have only weighed myself twice in the last month, and found I had lost 6 lb.  I knew my pants fit better.

 

Tip #1

 

I do believe this is one of the main keys.

 

Water.  Good water.  Chlorine will kill all your good bacteria, and if you've been drinking tap water you probably ought to get on a good probiotic to restore the stuff you need in your gut for proper digestion.  Then get a good, pure water.  I use a local bottled water that we researched.

 

That said;   Drink half your body's weight in oz. adding 1/4 t. NATURAL

SEA SALT.  With this you get 50 plus minerals your body needs.

 

OK, I cannot believe the way I feel when I am drinking my water.  At least double the energy.  That alone will help with the weight loss.

 

Besides that, fat stores toxins.  Water flushes toxins.  No toxins, fat can release as it is not needed to store those toxins away from your vital organs.

 

Tip #2

 

Build muscle.  Muscle mass increases your metabolism.  Period.  Self explanitory.  (I like Jorge Cruises' book "8 Minutes in the Morning.")  I have to give myself doable goals, or I fail.

 

Tip #3

 

Portion control.  This works better for me than specific diets.  Eating less at each meal.  This is something you get used to, and you will surprise yourself at how fast you get full after you practice it.  I ate out one night, and it lasted me three days (it was so good, and I got to enjoy it again and again and again!  Yet I was losing 2 lb. a week!)  I am talking fairly small portions without seconds.  Really.  You do get used to it.  Snacks between meals are ok, but it must be nutritional.  Protein snacks are best.

 

Tip #4

 

Eat nothing after dinner.  Remember, you're drinking a lot of water, and you can still have that after dinner.  It will help fill you up.  You will get used to this same as you will get used to portion control.

 

Tip #5

 

No sweets.  (I have a real hard time with this one, and it is the one I have the most difficulty following.  However, again -- if I can get past several days, I do lose my desire for them.)

 

Tip #6

 

If you just can't handle the no sweets, guess what?  With the water drinking, weight lifting, smaller portions -- you will lose anyhow.  Only slower.  But do have sweets, if you must, in moderation.  Think about it!  Is it worth it?  There is NOTHING more discouraging (OK, there probably is, but you get the point) than cheating with something TOTALLY NOT WORTH IT!

 

Tip #7

 

We overeat because we are nutritionally deficient.  At least that is one of the reasons.  Make good, good choices.  Have those fruits, veggies, lean proteins, complex carbs.  Feed your body, don't starve it by eating tons of nothing every day.  In doing that, you are loading up on chemicals (toxins) that your body needs fat to store it in.  Feed yourself real, good, nutritious food.

 

Finally, this works for me.  Maybe you already have a plan and are all excited about it.  Go with what feels right for you.

 

But know this;  the water and the weight lifting (building muscle mass) especially work.  The lesser portions help you to feed your family and yourself the same stuff, while you still get much less calories.  And you can STILL make good choices for all of you.  Which would be the right thing to do for your family anyhow.  And sugar makes us sick.  It does.  It totally lowers our immune system, and we catch every bug that comes along. 

 

OK, that is plenty of info. for now.  Enough to digest (no pun intended).

 

I am with you, but not officially.

 

Oh, and the hat tip for most of the above goes to my married daughter who taught me her method (except for the specific amt. of water with the sea salt -- though water was part of her regime).  She lost 30 lbs. at one time, on this.  I lost (I don't remember how much) until the holidays came and got off track.