Weight Loss Diary Day 2

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Article 2. Weight loss diary.

Diary, Day 2, February 6 2006

- Stopped having newspapers delivered from yesterday. Today I walked into the village to pick up my newspaper. (A return distance of around 1.2 miles [1.9 kilometers].

- Decided that today will be a no bread day. This is the only food that I will give up in today?s weight loss program. I usually eat 4 ? 6 slices of wholegrain bread each day.

- Weighed in at 197 pounds (97.5 kilos).

- Breakfast was a bowl of cornflakes with two Tablespoons of fruit Muesli added. (This is a mixture of whole grains, nuts and dried fruits). Followed by a small carton of yogurt with some fresh fruit added (I used kiwi fruit today ? very high in vitamin C.) Plus a cup of lemon, green tea. (I?m only allowed 2 cups of coffee each week so I keep them for the weekend.) You could take milk or fruit juice if you prefer.

First problem: Around 11am I felt really hungry. This is to be expected because I usually eat a very big breakfast. Slight temptation to make a sandwich but I resisted it and had a small apple instead. After eating the apple I still felt hungry but resisted the temptation to eat more because I know that it takes 20 minutes for the message from my stomach to reach my brain.

- Obviously the wait was worthwhile because it is now almost 1pm and I haven?t thought about food since eating the apple.

- 1pm. Lunch: This is a challenge because I like a sandwich for lunch but today is no bread. I have a 3 ounce (85 grams)piece of cheddar cheese, coarsely grated carrot, lettuce a sprinkling of pine nuts with a glass of water. (I like water but you can drink what you prefer - providing it isn't fizzy) A banana and an apple follow this.

- Time for a walk. Immediately after lunch I take a 15-minute walk. The plan is to increase my pulse rate for a very short period by 40% to 50%. Placing your right wrist into your left hand and finding the pulse with your fingers can check pulse rate. Count how many beats in six seconds; add a zero and this will give you beats per minute before you start. Check when you are midway through your walk and it should have risen by 40%-50%. Then slow down and return home.

- At the end of the walk I take another large glass of water.

Dinner is my main meal but if you can make it lunch this is much healthier. My dinner consisted of:

- Fillet steak, about ? pound (110 grams), baked potato (done in the microwave), chili asparagus and salad. I drank a glass of red wine with it and my usual glass of water later.

- Dessert was a nectarine and peach ? both fresh because they are in season here in Australia right now.

- After dinner I took another short walk (about 10 minutes.)

Today hasn?t been difficult to get through and I know that the first day of any diet is the toughest.

This article is copyright ? David McCarthy 2006. This article may be reproduced in its entirety with no additions.

 David McCarthy is a prolific article writer on all matters concerning food, recipes, health, diet and fitness. This is the second diary article that invites you to join him on a quest to lose 17 pounds without giving up any food that you like. You can catch up with him at http://www.recipesmania.com/

Women's Health and Weight Loss Tip #2: The Importance of Calcium in a Woman's Diet

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Recently I published an article about the importance of exercise in fighting against the bone-brittling disease osteoporosis.

There are actually 3 primary factors that may put someone at risk for osteoporosis---women in particular:

- lack of calcium
- hormonal deficiency (estrogen in particular)
- lack of physical activity

So in addition to exercise and hormonal factors, a woman's diet is extremely important in guarding off this very debilitating condition.

One of the reason's why we do not recommend most traditional diet plans and programs is because the over-restrictive eating guidelines often eliminate or seriously limit the consumption of some very necessary vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy and strong.

You never want to get to a point where you are sacrificing health merely to lose weight. In fact, any weight loss program worth half its salt will make sure that the recommendations made for your daily diet intake are well balanced and full of all the nutrients that you need.

The most important time to get an appropriate amount of calcium is between the ages of 14 and 24, when peak bone mass is obtained. Then after that bone continues to develop until about age 35 to 40, at which time the bone mass that a woman has will strongly determine how much at risk she may be for bone fractures in her later years.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that women intake 1,000 mg (1g) of calcium daily, and then increase their daily dosage to 1,500 mg (1.5g) post menopause.

Sadly, only an estimated 25% of women in any age group consume the recommended daily amount of calcium to guard against osteoporosis. And when they go on diets and weight loss programs, they tend to consume even less.

Lowfat dairy prodcuts such as milk (skim milk is a better option), yogurt, and cottage cheese are all excellent sources of dietary calcium. For those who are lactose intolerant or who wish to generally stay away from dairy products, non-dairy alternatives fortified with calcium will do as long as they contined the recommended daily allowance (RDA). The nondairy product Lactaid added to lowfat and nonfat milk may also work to help you meet your desired goal.

In your efforts to lose weight, make sure that the weight loss program that you use includes calcium-rich food choices. And if it does, you will need to add them yourself. No matter what weight loss program you are on or what other means you use to lose weight, here are some good ideas recommended by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) that you may add to your daily diet in order to get the amount of calcium you need while you lose the weight.

- Prepare canned soup with skim milk instead of water
- Add nonfat dry milk to soups, stews, and casseroles
- Add grated lowfat cheese to salads, tacos, and pasta dishes
- Eat yogurt as a snack, or use it to make low-calorie dressings
- Choose calcium-rich desserts, suhc as lowfat cheese and fruit, frozen nonfat or lowfat yogurt, and puddings made with skim milk
- Drink hot chocolate in the winter made with skim milk

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss Tip #3: Moderate Drinking May Help You With Weight Loss

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The connection between moderate drinking and avoiding heart disease is pretty much old news to most of us at this point.

But now, experts are saying that those of us who have 1-2 drinks a few times a week are less likely to become obese than non drinkers.

Finally! A Weight Loss "Do and Don't" that we can have some fun with!

Not too much fun though.

Those of us who consume 4 or more drinks daily are a whopping 46% more likely to be obese, research says. The connection between moderate drinking and avoiding heart disease is pretty much old news to most of us at this point.

This new information was based on a study of over 8,000 people conducted by Dr. James Rohrer of the Mayo Clinic and Dr. Ahmed Arif, from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

"We don't want to give people the wrong impression"...says Rohrer..."We certainly don't want to recommend that nondrinkers become drinkers just to control their weight".

If you're a non-drinker---don't panic.

The odds for moderate drinkers are only .73% better than nondrinkers for staying thin. The main message here is that a few drinks consumed socially isn't anything to worry about if that's your M.O.

Some experts don't completely agree with these findings. Dr. David L. Katz, Director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center, says that the slight reduciton in obesity risk may very well be attributed to additional healthy behaviors unrelated to drinking.

"Many health-conscious people have a daily drink because of the widely touted health benefits; it may be a constellation of behaviors in such people that lead to weight control"...says Katz..."This would produce the appearance of a weight-control benefit from moderate drinking, but it would be illusory."

Well here's my 2 cents on the matter:

As mentioned above, I feel that the primary takeaway from this research is that responsible, moderate drinkers need not be alarmed at the implications of drinking on their weight loss.

Though the overall trend presented here makes sense to me, I am a slight bit skeptical of the percentages given for risk levels.

My suspiscion comes from the fact that body mass index, or BMI, was used as a measure of obesity. As I mention in my program, BMI is not the best determination of true obesity. Its measurements, though useful, are not accurate enough to be followed to the letter---certainly not for coming up with percentages in a medical research study.

So if you choose to drink, do it moderately and responsibly. And if you don't choose to do so, that's o.k. too. WHATEVER you choose to do, make sure you're eating right and exercising daily!

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss Tip #5: Trim Down Your Waist to Avoid Heart Attack

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A recent global study has come to some pretty alarming conclusions about the link between your waist-to-hip ratio and the risk of suffering from a heart attack.

How does waist-to hip ratio (WHR) work? Well, if your waist and hips are exactly the same circumference, you have a ration of 1 to 1 (1:1).

If your waist is smaller than your hips, the ratio will go down. For example, if your waist is only half as big around as your hips, the it changes to 1 to 2, or 1:2.

If the opposite is true, and your waist is twice as big as your hip area, the ratio goes up to 2 to 1, or 2:1.

Apparently, having a waist to hip ratio of 1:1 or more greatly increases your chances of suffering from a potentially fatal dysfunction of the heart.

A recent global study has come to some pretty alarming conclusions about the link between your waist-to-hip ratio and the risk of suffering from a heart attack.

How does waist-to hip ratio (WHR) work? Well, if your waist and hips are exactly the same circumference, you have a ration of 1 to 1 (1:1).

If your waist is smaller than your hips, the ratio will go down. For example, if your waist is only half as big around as your hips, the it changes to 1 to 2, or 1:2.

If the opposite is true, and your waist is twice as big as your hip area, the ratio goes up to 2 to 1, or 2:1.

Apparently, having a waist to hip ratio of 1:1 or more greatly increases your chances of suffering from a potentially fatal dysfunction of the heart.

Check your waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)

Being in a state of obesity makes the threat many times worse. Currently there are more than 300 million obese people worldwide.

An obese person is generally regarded as somewhat with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

Find out your body mass index (BMI)

What makes this issue so tricky is that some people will have a natural advantage with their WHR based on their genetic body type and shape.

Women with small waists and curvy hips will have the easiest time managing this ratio, while both men and women who have large midsections will have the most difficult time managing it.

Regardless of sex or body type, what is important for you to know is that you must do everything you can to keep your waist size down, down, DOWN!

In addition to heart attack, the WHR has been linked to determining your general risk of developing chronic diseases. It represents one of the many reasons why weight loss has so much more to offer you than a just a sexy body (all though it does come with that!)

The Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program teaches you not just how to lose weight but how to improve your entire lifestyle to make weight control and WAIST control simple and easy.

You only get one chance at life. Take care of it by living healthy and fit.

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss Tip #6: Using Antioxidants in Your Weight Loss Program

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If you're smart, you should not only be focused on your goal to lose weight but to maximize your weight loss program to its full extent by getting some health benfits out of it as well, and make them priority #1.

One of the health benefits you should be aiming for as you lose weight should be getting a good daily dosage of antioxidants while on your weight loss plan and even afterward while in maintainence mode.

Just a few short years ago, the average person had never even heard of an antioxidant, let alone could actually tell you what one was.

Now, antioxidants are one of the biggest buzz words in health and fitness. Nearly every other product on the market claims to be chuck full of them. So what are they? REALLY? And what's so darn good about them that it creates such hoopla?

Simply put, antioxidants fight to help eliminate the body of one of its most dangerous internal enemies---free radicals. "Free Radical" is the layman's term for an oxygen atom that has been split in half so that it only has one electron as opposed to the two that it is supposed to have.

These split particles are constantly being made in the body, and if they are left unchecked, they can cause a myriad of problems. One such problem is to bump into and damage the internal tissues of the body's organs and systems.

A second problem is to attached themselves to molecules within the body and throw of the chemical balance within us, setting off chemical chain reactions and causing health problems while multiplying more and more new free radical particles from these reactions.

Damage from free radicals has been proven to contribute to such common and deadly illnesses as atherosclerosis, cancer, quickening the aging process, and eye cataracts.

There are currently 3 vitamins and 2 minerals that have been identified to have antioxidant properties:

Vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- beta carotene

Minerals:
- Sulfur
- Selenium

As you embark on your weight loss program, remember that your goal is not only to lose weight, but to gain optimum health. Weight loss itself is just an added benefit of being a wholistically healthy person.

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

About the Author

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.#BREAK#

Weight Loss Tip #7: When You Hang Around Dogs, You Get Fleas

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Can you remember the last few times you completely gorged on food that you KNEW was making you fat?

Were you alone? And if not, who were you with?

More than likely, you were pigging out with the same person or group of people that you have no doubt done this with on more than one if not many occassions.

One of the things that I teach in the Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program is that a regular "treat" is actually a healthy thing to keep you mentally in the game of weight loss.

At the same time, we can all tend to go overboard with this when we are in "certain company". Whether that company be friends, a significant other, or co-workers, it can be difficult to not give into the pressure and go along with whatever fattening food they may want you to indulge in with them.

Can you remember the last few times you completely gorged on food that you KNEW was making you fat?

Were you alone? And if not, who were you with?

More than likely, you were pigging out with the same person or group of people that you have no doubt done this with on more than one if not many occassions.

One of the things that I teach in the Your Best Body NOW Weight Loss Program is that a regular "treat" is actually a healthy thing to keep you mentally in the game of weight loss.

At the same time, we can all tend to go overboard with this when we are in "certain company". Whether that company be friends, a significant other, or co-workers, it can be difficult to not give into the pressure and go along with whatever fattening food they may want you to indulge in with them.

So how can you get a grip on the situation?

One word---CONTROL.

Now, when I mention this "control", I'm not talking about the strict, cast-iron stomach type that has you to stick to your celery and fruit even in the midst of your favorite pizza or pastry. If you had THAT, you wouldn't be pigging out in the first place, right?

What I'm referring to is much easier, because you don't have to do it all alone.

This type of control is not just over yourself, but is exercised on your environment. It works by simply letting everyone around you know that you are participating in weight loss---not just for aesthetics, but for your health, and sincerely ask for their help.

Some people in your life will be resistant to your change at first. However, with time and consistency you will see them develop a respect for you that will make them want to HELP you eat the right thing so that you reach your weight loss goals.

This doesn't mean that you'll never enjoy your favorite decadant food with friends or loved ones again, but it does help you to not fall into a revolving door of poor food choices by giving in to every bad-for-you treat that is placed before you.

Then, when you do get around to indulging, you can do so guiltlessly because you've exercised the CONTROL to stay on the weight loss straight and narrow---most of the time.

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss Tip #8: Have Your Cake and Burn it Off Too

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With Christmas less than a week away, the holiday season is almost over, but the holiday EATING for most people will last for nearly another month.

I could try and tell you how to not eat anything but lettuce and fruit while the rest of the family is enjoying succulent hams, delicious cakes, and scrumptious pies; but that would be a waste of time, wouldn't it?

Besides, if you've been "good" all year with your eating habits (haven't you?), why shouldn't you get to enjoy some of that wonderful holiday food?

But what about your weight?

Your waistline?

I can show you how to manage that. The trick is to not get so carried away with all that food that all your weight loss and fitness efforts go down the tube.

How is that done?

It's pretty simple, actually. Just like any successful undertaking in life, it all comes down to a few rules that are geared toward helping you reach your goal. Keeping yourself together after sampling a veritable feast is no different.

In this case, there are just a few things you need to keep in mind and follow:

1) Don't munch yourself into a coma day after day. Choose 3 or 4 designated days through the REST of the season to "do your thing" at the table, and practice restraint on the rest.

2) On your big eating days, plan a morning cardio workout that is about an hour long. Why an hour? Sixty minutes of cardiovascular activity at the start of your day will keep your metabolism elevated well into the afternoon. It doesn't matter what you do---the gym, walking around the block, jogging with the dog---whatever. Just plan to do an hour of SOMETHING on each of those mornings.

3) Don't eat anything before your workouts. Just jump right into them with a bottle of water and don't allow yourself to be too interrupted until you are done. This will help you to get the most out of shedding some of the fat that is already stored on your body to give you a "head start" on the day's festivities.

4) This one is optional, but can make a difference if you stick to it. If you know that you just aren't going to be able to resist all those wonderful cakes and pies, try eating them with your entree's and pass on all or most of the starchy sides.

Remember, the goal here is not so much to lose weight, but to BREAK EVEN.

All you want to do is SURVIVE so that you don't blow up like a house and derail all of the work that you may have done up unto this point.

If you have any questions, feel free to email them to me at lawrence@yourbestbodynow.com

Happy Holidays!

To Your Best Body,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach

Read this Weight Loss Article at YourBestBodyNOW.com.

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss Tip #9: Don't be a New Year's Casualty!

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I got so caught up in this year's fitness goals that I completely forgot about something that I usually brace myself for this time of year.

But no sooner had I stepped into my gym a week or two ago than I was sharply reminded of it.

Reminded of what?, you may ask.

The New Year's Resolution crowd.

They come every year like snowbirds to Florida; they're so predictable, that I can literally set my watch by them at the stroke of midnight each New Year's Eve.

And they're so easy to tell from everyone else, too. They show up in January in flocks and droves so thick that there is literally a line in front of every piece of equipment at the gym.

Then around mid to late March they start disappearing one by one like game birds being picked off by hunters. By April, they're pretty much all gone.

These seasonal "birds" are the joke of the gym every hunting season.

The question is, will YOU be one of them?

Because you certainly don't have to be. Everyone who's in shape now was once someone who was just getting started or getting back on the horse after "letting themselves go" a bit. So getting a fresh start is nothing to be ashamed about.

In fact, it should be applauded. Getting started new and fresh means that you have stepped up to the plate to do something that so many people at home just are not willing to do for themselves.

The trick is not to let it all end just as quickly as it started.

I'll give you the secret to being the last man or woman standing when everyone else has "flown back north" because they couldn't hack it.

Set your weight loss and fitness goals NOW. Make them as specific as possible. The dress or waist size you want, your perfect weight, the outfit you want to wear, the reaction you want to get. Write it all out.

Studies have shown that written goals are more than twice as likely to become reality than those that are not.

Then when you go in the gym, forget about everybody else. You heard me right---EVERYBODY.

Don't pay any attention to those toned physiques that look like they must have taken years to put together. Pay no mind to the show-off in the corner doing some fancy upside-down exercise with chains, ropes, and 2 machines. They aren't your concern.

Its all about you.

Your body. Your goals. Your workout. Your results.

Go ahead and take that "before" picture. Look at it everyday as you work away from the old and toward the new you.

If you can just make it through the first few months you've greatly increased your chances of being around for the long haul.

Don't cheat yourself by being on of this year's gym casulties.

...And if you can't make it to a gym, that's all the better. Do the YourBestBodyNOW 15 Minute Workout at home and find a place close to home to get in your cardio.

The only thing that can keep you away from your goals is you.

Don't allow that to happen.

Start this year strong and dig as deep as you can to make sure that you keep it up until you get exactly what you want. You can do it, I know you can.

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach

Read this Weight Loss Article at YourBestBodyNOW.com.

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss and Exercise in Tough Environmental Conditions

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Working out is working out, right?

Wrong.

Depending on the environmental conditions where you live, there may be extra precautions that you'll want to consider when trying to lose weight by following a healthy diet and weight loss program.

High Altitudes

High altitude environments have less available oxygen then those closer to sea level. One of the effects of such altitude is that the heart must beat faster in order to do the job of delivering oxygen to the muscle tissues both while active and at rest.

Depending on the specific altitude and corresponding acitivity, heart rates may soar as high as 50% above normal. Also, side effects like hyperventilation, dizziness, insomnia, weakness, headache, and irratability are also common in such an environment.

Because of these possible outcomes, people who exercise in high altitudes will definitely want to consult a local physician for clearance before beginning their weight loss exercise program, and may want to lower the intensity of their weight loss cardiovascular activity---especially if they are beginners.

People living in high altitudes will also want to get medical clearance before trying any diet pills, diet patch, or any other weight loss product(s) that may elevate the heart rate to eliminate risk of more complicated health concerns.

Exercising in Extreme Heat

Under normal circumstances, the body's temperature is at or around 98?. In areas that have very high temperatures (around 100? or more), the body must adjust to maintain the proper temperature by transferring some of its heat back into the environment.

The primary result of this reaction is that he heart rate will be higher than normal, similar to the effect of being in high altitudes. To best aid the body in maintaining its normalcy under such conditions, make sure to drink 3 to 6 oz. of water for every 10 to 15 minutes of weight loss activity and allowing as much sweat to evaporate as possible. It is also important to wear as close to 100% cotton garments as well as stray away from rubberized or water-proof garments that will prevent sweat evaporation. Light colors should also be worn.

Exercising in the Cold

To the surprise as many, water replenishment is just as important in the cold as it is in much warmer environments.

The fact of the matter is that water is lost as vapor as inhaled during cardiovascular exercise and other activities that help you to ultimately lose weight. There is also a risk of losing too much body heat once you are done exercising.

To best be prepared to exercise in order to lose weight fast while living in cold environments, make sure to dress in layers to insulate body heat and drink plenty of water. Also wear a hat to limit the amount of body heat that escapes through the head, which is where most body heat is lost from.

To YourBestBody,

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

See this Weight Loss article on YourBestBodyNOW.com

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

Weight Loss Motivation: Mastering the Motivation to Stay Fit

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Have you ever just felt like you were doing everything you were supposed to in order to lose weight and STILL weren't dropping the pounds?

During her journey to lose 40lbs in 16 weeks, my good friend Kim faced some pretty serious challenges with regards to her level of motivation.

Another friend of mine, Antonio Goodwin, who lost 4 inches from his waistline in 9 weeks with my program, faced the same frustration.

The problem was that at several times during their weight loss, they both felt as if they were not losing much weight and were not seeing results.

Now, a look at either of their before and after photos on my web sites shows that each of them made quite a substantial improvement in their bodies.

So what would make someone who's losing weight each week feel as if they were not?

I'll tell you exactly what. Its referred to as the <u>emotional roller coaster</u>.

This is how it usually goes:

You start a new diet or weight loss program. You're all excited to be doing something great for your health and the way you look, and you're sticking to the program, step by step.

Consistent action pays off and after a short while you start getting compliments about the pounds you're losing week by week.

Then all of a sudden, it all seems to stop. You can no longer see the physical changes in your body, and maybe you even have a moment of weakness and cheat a bit on your diet plan. So now you're frustrated and mildly depressed. You feel as if true weight loss may NEVER happen for you, no matter what you do.

TIME OUT.

The trick here is to not get stuck in your own frustration.

Now this is a tough one, because everyone and I do mean EVERYONE goes through this stage. Whenever I need to trim down for a photo shoot, I go through it as well.

One of the things that you must understand about the body is that for as long as you are doing the right things on a consistent basis it WILL respond with results.

The Jedi Mind Trick is that oftentimes the progress is subtle, or may be primarily taking place in an area that you cannot see as well.

For instance, my friend Kim loses weight in her back the fastest. Her frustration came because she did not see the fat loss on her stomach the way she would have liked to. Little did she know that from behind she looked like a completely different person.

Listen, the emotional roller coaster is an inevitable aspect of any worthy undertaking that we take on in life. Remember getting through college? Or maybe waiting for puberty to set in? How about paying off your debts? The mental battle while attempting to diet and/or achieve weight loss is no different.

So make a conscious decision to stick to your guns. Let it play out. Victory lies in having the strength to make it through the rough spots without cracking under the pressure and losing all that you've worked for. If you can just master getting past the point of frustration, before you know it you'll be seeing results again and getting more compliments.

Lawrence Cole
Your Lifestyle and Fitness Coach
YourBestBodyNOW.com

See this Weight Loss article on YourBestBodyNOW.com

Lawrence Cole is a Lifestyle and Fitness Consultant based out of Los Angeles, CA. He has over 10 years of health and fitness experience and designing simple, effective nutritional strategies to help individuals achieve their personal best internal health and physical conditioning.

10 Proven Tips for Weight Loss

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The New Year is here. One New Year's resolution for many people is to lose weight and to keep it off. Unfortunately, for some, this can be such a daunting task that their resolve lasts for a few months at best. The good news is that weight loss does not have to be difficult. With the right mindset, it is possible to lose weight and keep it off. Here are 10 tips to assist in this process.

Tip #1: Focus on small changes at a time. For most people, successful weight loss involves not only a diet change, but a lifestyle change as well. Since this can be overwhelming for some, it is best to take baby steps. For instance, instead of signing up for year's membership at a gym, go for a few months, and then never step foot in a gym again, a more effective approach could be to commit to walk in the neighborhood three times a week for thirty minutes. Once this is done habitually and becomes part of one 's lifestyle, then it might be beneficial to look at a gym membership.

Tip #2: Eat 100% organic, virgin, and unrefined coconut oil. There is research which supports this as an aide in weight loss.

Tip #3: Eat apples, preferably organic, every day. Apples decrease appetite and stabilize blood sugar. Eat at least one apple per day.

Tip #4: Stay away from fast foods. These foods are loaded with harmful fats, preservatives, and other chemicals. If one has to eat out, try to eat at a restaurant and make healthy choices such as eating a large salad, a baked potato, and broiled meats instead of fried.

Tip #5: Do a liver cleanse. Many people have livers which are clogged and not working efficiently. Health food stores carry a variety of cleansing products.

Tip #6: Use organic apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar helps to eliminate fat cells from the body. Take a few teaspoons prior to each meal. Apple cider vinegar can be found in health food stores.

Tip #7: Add hot pepper to food. It is amazing what something hot and spicy can do for the metabolism. Hot peppers not only increase metabolism, but also help the body burn off fat more efficiently. Organic hot salsa is best.

Tip #8: Eat a large organic salad at lunch and dinner. The key is organic, if possible. If salad dressing is used, it should be organic olive oil, organic vinegar, and fresh organic lemon juice.

Tip #9: Stay away from refined foods such as sugar and enriched products such as white flour, white rice, white bread, and pasta that is not organic or whole grain. These foods have no nutritional value.

Tip #10: Be positive! Don't say "I'm going to try to lose weight", but "I'm going to lose weight and feel great." Be committed to staying on course and making those necessary lifestyle and dietary changes. With this mindset, one cannot help but be successful.

2006 is here. Weight loss for the New Year does not have to be overwhelming and difficult. Commit to trying at least a few of these steps. Follow through can indeed result in one "losing weight and feeling great".

This article may be reprinted on a website, blog or for personal use IF the content remains unchanged and this resource box is included. http://www.healthybodysupplements.com http://www.crazyhealthnut.com

Weight Loss Attitudes

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Once you?ve achieved your desired weight, you return to your old eating habits and levels of activity, the weight will return. Plain and simple.

Quick-fix diets face this kind of problem. They don?t offer long-term changes which sometimes cause the downfall of the program.

Stay realistic

Avoid feeling dissatisfaction with what you have accomplished. Enjoy your life and be satisfied with the healthy weight you can achieve. Initially, weight loss is gradual compared to those who return to their previous weight.

Have self-discipline

People who watch their weight show flexibility in their self-control. Most of the time, they make healthy choices but does not avoid eating food.

Eat healthily

Learn proper choice, preparation and enjoyment of a balanced diet. Skill in cooking low-fat diet, understanding labels of food and being able to judge portion sizes food labels and having the ability to judge portion sizes contribute to a balanced diet.

Eating regular meals, tasting them and planning ahead is also a part of this.

How to eat like a successful slimmer

? Maintain a balanced, lower fat diet in addition to fruits and vegetables.
? Don't stay away from any foods, eat portion sizes and minimize the amount of certain foods.
? Eat three regular meals a day at regular times (starting with breakfast), and lesser snacks.
? Dine out occasionally, but lessen fast food.
? Sit down to eat your meals, enjoy them and pay attention to what you're eating.

Stay active

Getting regular exercise is one of the factors that determine long-term success. It does not only burn unwanted calories and increase metabolism but also increases self-esteem and fights stress.

According to research, walking alone for 30 minutes daily plus some additional activities during the week can be enough.

Have ongoing support

The right kind of support during and after weight loss is vital. It is not an easy task and maintaining them is not easy as well.

Self-monitoring, being conscious and taking down notes is a way of supporting yourself.

Learn to deal with stress

Food is a quick and effective method of handling stress for some people. Evaluate the stresses in your life and your response to these stresses.

Discover new ways to handle your stress. Regular exercise, breathing techniques and removing negative self-talk that fuels anxiety.

Be like a successful slimmer

? Regularly inspect your weight (once or twice a week) or use another indicator.
? Avoid guilt-feeling when you overeat or about certain foods.
? Handle stress and solve problems. Ask for assistance and support from your family, friends, a club, website or health professionals.

Jan Thomsen is writing health, diet and exercise articles for the 1200 calories diet site and family oriented articles for the Halds family blog

Hoodia Gordonii Weight Loss

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Hoodia Gordonii Plus is the Fastest, Most Effective Weight Loss Supplement Available

The discovery of the active ingredient in the Hoodia gordonii plant is proven with clinical research to suppress one's appetite by up to 2000 calories a day. This amazing and all natural and organic ingredient is the result of 30 years of research by the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) in South Africa. So great is the discovery of this weight-loss ingredient that Pfizer, a large pharmaceutical company, is developing a pill, known as P57, based on the hoodia gordonii plant. Why does Pfizer need to synthesize a product that already works you may ask? In America you cannot patent a natural product so the drug companies need to turn it into a drug by making an un-natural and un-healthy substance so they can patent the product and make billions of dollars. We are delighted to report that WIMSA contested and recently won their case against multinational pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop a drug from South African Hoodia.

What will Hoodia do for you? Hoodia will curb your appetite almost immediately, after taking only a few milligrams Hoodia gives you control over your appetite being the most effective natural appetite suppressant ever found Hoodia will make you feel great- its a natural mood enhancer Hoodia will help you to lose weight by not over-eating Hoodia is 100% Natural with Proven results that will work for you What Hoodia won't do. Hoodia will not give you the shakes like so many other appetite suppressants Hoodia will not make your heart race and will not keep you awake all night long Hoodia will definitely not give you that 'Wired" feeling like so many other appetite suppressants Hoodia will not raise your body temperature and make you feel uncomfortable all day Hoodia is so safe that it is classified as a dietary supplement and not a medicine, it works gently on your system, so gently that you will hardly notice a difference - except that you don't feel hungry!

Learn More About Hoodia Gordonii Plus.

J. Ratliff is author of http://www.askwellness.com

Eat More Pectin For Successful Weight Loss

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Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to not feel so hungry all the time when you are trying to lose weight? Well there is a way and it's not some new fad either, it's something that's natural, has no adverse side effects and might be sitting right in your fridge - fiber.

One type of fiber that you probably already have been eating is called pectin. Pectin is found in fruits, such as apples, strawberries, and peaches, along with vegetables including carrots, sweet potatoes and beans. Pectin is a carbohydrate that has no calories.

Pectin is a great source of fiber, which we all know is important for a healthy diet. Aside from helping you feel full longer, pectin can help to cut cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It may even aid in the prevention of colon cancer.

Pectin can help you lose and maintain your weight because it causes the stomach to empty more slowly. As a result, after eating pectin, you feel satisfied longer. This means that you will eat less, which will lead to weight loss. And if you think you'll have to be gobbling down hundreds of apples or guzzling pectin drinks, think again - research has shown that as little as a single teaspoon can help you to feel satisfied.

Where Can You Get Pectin?

Thankfully, you won't have to drive miles out of your way to get your supply of pectin because it is sold right in your local grocery store. It comes in a powder, which may be known as Sure-Jel, or a liquid, known as Certo. Derived from grapefruit and apples, pectin is usually found with the baking supplies in most supermarkets.

How To Take Pectin

You can mix pectin with orange juice, water, or soft drinks. It has no taste so shouldn't affect the taste of the beverage you mix it in. It is best to increase your intake gradually to let your system adjust to the added fiber. Start off with a teaspoon a day and then gradually add more in to a max of 3 teaspoons a day. You can also add pectin to broth or soups, applesauce and even baked potatoes.

Lee Dobbins writes about Low Carb and Low GI eating as well as other weight loss issues. Visit www.lowcarb-resource.com for more articles on healthy dieting.

The Subway Approach to Weight Loss

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The Subway Approach to Weight Loss

For many of us, fast food is the only food at lunchtime. We're in a tremendous hurry to get back to our workday, so we choose food based on convenience rather than nutritional value. In recent years, a number of fast food outlets have attempted to add more health-conscious selections to their menu; for the most part, these consist of salads and fruit cups. While they may have fewer calories than standard fast food, they may not be as tasty.

Yet, in many cities, there is an alternative to the regular burger-and-salad fare: Subway, a restaurant which specializes in six inch and foot-long submarine sandwiches. At first glance, you wouldn't think of Subway as being a dieter's delight--there is all that carbohydrate-rich bread and fat-filled cheeses. However, to Jared Fogle, Subway is like diet Nirvana. That's because Jared lost 245 pounds through what he calls the Subway diet. His routine consisted of a six-inch turkey sub, sans mayonnaise and cheese, potato chips, and a diet drink for lunch. Dinner consisted of a foot-long veggie sub, also without condiments, and more diet cola. As a result of his experience, Jared has become a spokesman for Subway.

As far as exercise is concerned, Jared avoided it at the beginning. Weighing more than 400 pounds, he found it difficult to move. However, as he began losing weight, he started walking to his college classes instead of taking the bus. Eventually, he began walking 1.5 miles each day.

One of the key ingredients of Jared's Subway diet is convenience. It is relatively simple to walk to a Subway restaurant and order subs twice a day. You don't have to spend time shopping for food and preparing meals. If you enjoy sub sandwiches, you may find the diet easy to maintain. Since you will be consuming only about 1,000 calories, weight reduction is also guaranteed. Thus, it might be one of the most effective diets in existence today.

Of course, there are disadvantages to the Subway diet. For instance, eating the same type of subs each day can be repetitive and difficult to stomach. Also, you may lose out on vital vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and zinc. In addition, the diet offers nothing in the way of breakfast, so you will be sacrificing the nutrients that a healthy breakfast can provide. In addition, the Subway diet can be an expensive one to follow, since you'll have to purchase all those sub sandwiches.

However, it's possible that you can vary Jared's diet and still lose weight. Subway offers a number of sandwiches with six grams of fat or less. These include the six inch ham (290 calories), the six-inch chicken breast (330 calories), the six-inch roast beef (290 calories), the six-inch club (320 calories), the sweet onion chicken teriyaki (380 calories), the turkey breast (280 calories), turkey breast and ham (290 calories), and veggie delite (230 calories). Subway also offers carb-conscious wraps as an alternative to sub buns. These include the chicken bacon ranch wrap, tuna wrap, turkey and bacon melt, and turkey breast wrap. In addition, the restaurant chain now offers a number of salads which are also a healthy alternative to normal fast food fare.

One of the great advantages to Subway is the large amount of fresh vegetables which you can add to your sandwich. You can choose such items as spinach, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, green peppers, and sweet peppers. You can change the types of vegetables you use each day in order to add variety to your meal.

The critical problem with any Subway-based diet is the discipline required. Day after day, you have to limit your food intake to what is available at the Subway counter. This can be quite a challenge. While you can choose from different lunch meats, and you can combine subs with salads, you are still quite limited in your menu choices.

Is the Subway diet right for you? If you really love subs and hate to cook, Subway may offer just the meal plan you're looking for. However, if you are not fond of subs and you want a lot of variety in your diet, you'll have to pass up the Subway plan for another diet.

Arnel Ricafranca is the President and Founder of Fitness VIP. He is the creator of "The Ultimate Weight Loss Success Strategies For Busy Men and Women Over 40." He is available for fitness seminars, personal training, and online personal training. Visit his website to claim your fitness gift ($50 real value) http://www.officialfitnessguide.com http://www.fitness-vip.com http://www.elitefitnessexperts.com

Surgery: The Last Weight Loss Alternative for the Toughest Cases

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Surgery: The Last Weight Loss Alternative for the Toughest Cases

Recently, a number of high-profile celebrities, from TV weatherman Al Roker to American Idol's Randy Jackson, have made headlines as a result of undergoing weight loss surgery. Supporters of such surgery say that it offers hope for people who seem unable to lose weight any other way. They maintain that it is difficult to lose 50 or more pounds without surgical intervention. Critics, however, maintain that surgery--especially stomach surgery--is risky business and should be approached with the utmost caution. They worry that surgery is a quick fix which does not help to resolve an individual's problem dealing with food.

You might wonder under what conditions surgery would be recommended. Generally speaking, surgery is only an option for those who have suffered from obesity for a protracted period of time (meaning years), have a body mass index or BMI of more than 40, and whose lives could be cut short because of their excessive weight gain. Also, stomach stapling surgery is usually limited to those who have already reached adulthood.

Conversely, you would not be a candidate for stomach reduction surgery if you have been severely overweight for a short period of time; if you suffer from drug or alcohol addiction; or you have been diagnosed with mental illness. In other words, you need to be fully cognizant and have a detailed understanding of the reasons for your obesity.

You should know that stomach reduction surgery is a proven weight-reducer. You could lose nearly all of your extra weight by undergoing the procedure. Thus, surgery may negate the need for a diet plan, although there is the slim possibility that you could end up putting on additional pounds after your operation.

There are a myriad of reasons why you might consider stomach stapling surgery. For instance, if you are suffering from adult onset diabetes or heart trouble, you might want to undergo the operation. If you are so obese that you can barely walk, surgery might be for you. If your weight has gotten to the point where you literally find it difficult to get out of bed, an operation might be appropriate.

Of course, stomach stapling surgery is not without its risks. In less than two percent of the cases, death may occur. Also, there is the possibility that after surgery you may experience vomiting if you attempt to eat too much. And then there's the psychological fallout. If you've been a heavy person all your life, you may have trouble adjusting to your new thin status. You may even find that your relationships with relatives and friends change after you have undergone surgery. As a result of this, some physicians recommend that candidates for stomach stapling surgery meet with a psychotherapist who can help them develop coping mechanisms before and after the surgery.

Obviously, undergoing surgery is a serious step--one that should not be undertaken lightly. As a result, you might want to ask yourself some questions before going under the knife: Why do I want to undergo surgery? What if I discover there are unexpected side-effects from surgery? Will I be able to deal with them? What are my options if I do not undergo surgery? Will my family and friends support my decision to undergo an operation? Am I considering surgery out of vanity, or because of a serious health threat? Will years be added to my life after I undergo surgery?

Of course, you cannot make the decision for stomach surgery on your own. You will need to consult your family physician to determine if an operation is right for you. If your doctor gives the O.K., you will then have to meet with the surgeon. Make sure to check the surgeon's credentials and consider having a second opinion. The more preparation you do before your operation, the better off you will be. Obviously, stomach stapling surgery is not for everyone. It carries with it physical and emotional risks. However, the prognosis for those who undergo such surgery is good. And you could end up being in much better health in the long run, if you are able to successfully lose your excess weight.

Arnel Ricafranca is the President and Founder of Fitness VIP. He is the creator of "The Ultimate Weight Loss Success Strategies For Busy Men and Women Over 40." He is available for fitness seminars, personal training, and online personal training. Visit his website to claim your fitness gift ($50 real value) http://www.officialfitnessguide.com http://www.fitness-vip.com http://www.elitefitnessexperts.com

Weight-Loss Surgery: The Psychological Screening Interview

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Obesity is a national health emergency in the United States. Surgical weight reduction is one of the ways many Americans are choosing to deal with the battle of the bulge. Because of the high demand for bariatric surgery (gastric bypass and lap-band are two of these procedures), new protocols are being established to help assure the safety and appropriateness of these medical procedures.

Many medical tests are required before a patient is given the go-ahead for this surgery. The psychologist has become an integral part of the medical team. Both insurance companies and surgeons require a psychological consultation for each patient they are screening for bariatric surgery. Because eating issues are complicated and the emotional stability of the patient is important, the psychologist helps assess the patient's readiness for surgery.

For those patients seeking this pre-surgery consultation, you can expect the psychological consultation to address these important areas of mental health:

1. Details of the patient's personal history such as family background, education, marital status, home situation, work history, and current living situation.

2. A complete and detailed history of the patient's obesity history, from childhood to the present, including any and all efforts the patient has made to lose weight. This would include any history of eating disorders or any issues or problems with weight and eating.

3. Information from the patient about their exploration of bariatric surgery as an option. What do they know about the procedure? Do they understand the risks of the surgery? Does the patient realize that they will be making life-long changes in their eating? Have they thought about the details of the diet, exercise program, and vitamin regimens they will use?

4. A complete and detailed psychiatric history, including any treatment the patient may have received for psychological problems, current psychotropic medications, and current psychological and/or marriage and family problems. Having a psychological or emotional problem does not necessarily keep a patient from having the surgery, as long as they are being adequately treated. This history includes past substance abuse and current alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.

5. An assessment of the patient's personality characteristics and emotional resources which indicate that the patient will be compliant with post-surgery instructions and will be able to deal with the trauma of major surgery and subsequent recovery.

6. What are the current stressors in the patient's life, and what kind of support will the patient have during and after the surgery? What are the patient's expectations and fears? Would the patient consider psychological help if they needed it as they go through their weight loss?

Some psychologists may use objective psychological tests to help with the evaluation of a bariatric patient. Most, however, use their professional skills and training in a clinical interview to make sure the patient is able to understand and make informed choices about his or her health.

The primary focus of the consultation is to assess whether this patient is emotionally stable and psychologically capable of undergoing the surgery. While it is not possible to predict with absolute certainty that an individual will sail through such a procedure with no emotional complications, the psychologist can provide valuable insights that contribute to the overall assessment of a patient for bariatric surgery.

Dr. Jennifer Sowle, PhD., is a Licensed Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also a certified Sex Educator and Counselor. Dr. Sowle's website, http://here-to-listen.com gives information on psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. She also provides help for Relationships, such as conflict resolution, family finances, communication techniques, divorce, parenting,and sexuality.

Walk Your Way To Fitness, Health And Weight Loss

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There is no way around it, if you want to lose weight you have to be active. Recently a study was done focusing on people who owned dogs. It was found that the dog-owners, who were obliged to take their dogs for a walk every day, lost up to 14 pounds because of this extra activity. 14 pounds is more or less the amount of weight that is lost in most weight loss programs.

So what can we learn from this study? That you have to get a dog to lose weight? No, the study shows that just a little bit of extra walking can make a big difference.

Examine your current life style. Do you walk a few steps to your car in the morning, and then arrive at work and walk a few more steps to your office or workplace and then sit down? Do you walk a few more steps at the end of the work day to reach your car, where you sit and drive home. Do you then walk from the car to the house and enjoy dinner and spend the rest of the evening watching TV? If your life is like this, or resembles this sedentary pattern, then you have to do something about it.

You can sign up for some exercise classes. Join a sports league. Get some fitness equipment and do workouts. You can go jogging on a regular basis. These are some of the usual means of adding activity to modern life styles.

But if you are not the athletic type there are simpler ways to do it, similar to the dog walking. Here are a few ways to add the extra exercise to your present life:

1. Walk whenever you can

If you have an errand that can be done by walking, then leave your car in the garage and walk to fetch your child, buy a loaf of bread or drop a letter in a mailbox

2. After dinner take a walk

An old proverb says "After lunch, rest a while. After dinner, walk a mile". If you haven't gotten any exercise during your daytime activities then go for a walk after dinner. It will help you to digest your evening meal, which is extremely important for your overall well being, and it will help you to burn some calories as well

3. Skip the elevator, escalator and moving walkways

Instead of using the elevator for one or two flights of stairs, use your feet! In the airport, walk to the next gate instead of getting on the moving walkway.

4. Get a dog!

Why not? If you like animals, then the time you take to walk your dog will help you a lot.

How much walking is necessary? If you walk around 45 minutes every day then you will keep fit and lose weight. If you walk 60 minutes every day you will probably live to be 100.Dada Vedaprajinananda is yoga teacher and writer. He is the author of ?Yoga Weight Loss Secrets?, available at http://www.yogaweightlosssecrets.com and is the publisher of the Life Weight Loss Article Directory ? http://www.lifeweightloss.com ? where you can find articles and information about health, fitness and weight loss.

Staying Motivated: An Important Factor in Weight Loss

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If you are attempting to fight fat, it is simply not enough to begin an exercise program. You must also be able to stick with it. This can be challenging, especially if you have spent most of your life as a couch potato. You may find exercise to be boring or a chore. And you may be wondering whether your exercise program is really worth the effort.

It should be noted that the key to a successful exercise program is perseverance. This means that you need to commit to it for the long haul--in fact, it is best if you commit to it for the rest of your life. Certainly, it can be difficult at times. But in the end, it is well worth the effort you exert.

Staying motivated may begin with having a tangible goal. For instance, if you are basically inactive when you start your program, you should aim to burn off 500 calories a week. If you are fairly active when you start exercising, your goal should be 1,000 calories. But you must also have a long-term goal. This might be doubling the amount of calories you burn within six months of commencing your exercise program.

You might consider starting an exercise log. Here, you will record exactly what kind of aerobic, anaerobic, and stretching exercises you do each week. Be sure to include the number of repetitions you're performing with each exercise. This way, you'll have a concrete chart for your progress. Seeing how well you're doing can be truly inspiring and can keep you going when you find it difficult to go on.

Another effective motivational strategy is to join a group that engages in some kind of exercise. For instance, you might become a mall-walker or you might find a local square dance club to join. Other possibilities include hiking groups, golfing groups, softball teams, or even ping-pong teams. The fact that you are part of a social network will help to keep you motivated.

You might try psyching yourself out by using a computer screensaver which says, "Get moving." Or you might post a "get moving" sign on your refrigerator. In other words, you should be constantly reminded of the value of exercise. You might also invest in home exercise equipment such as a treadmill, elliptical trainer, or free weights. The amount of money you spend could be a powerful incentive for making sure that you use the equipment on a regular basis. You should also place the equipment in a prominent place so that you have to pass it often. After a while, you'll find no excuse not to exercise.

You might also consider investing in exercise videos or DVDs. These allow you the convenience of exercising in the privacy of your own home. They can also give you an electronic "exercise buddy" who can help keep you inspired even on rainy days when you don't feel like exercising at all.

Another effective idea is to place your athletic shoes near the door so that you are reminded of the need to walk rather than drive. You might also consider rewarding yourself for keeping with your exercise program. Your reward could be as elaborate as a cruise or as small as a treat from the dollar store. The idea is to make sure that your accomplishment is celebrated.

While we're on the topic of celebration, seriously consider throwing a party once you've reached an exercise milestone. You can serve nutritious snacks and beverages and even encourage your guests to come in their athletic wear in order to build upon the party's theme. Sharing your joy can help to motivate you to continue your physical activities.

It should be said that there is no right way to exercise. But you do need to make sure that whatever you do is effective and that you're sufficiently motivated to do it. By following just a few simple tips, you can ensure that your exercise routine is not just a fad, that it will continue over the long term. Remember that you may face setbacks from time to time, but that shouldn't stop you from continuing to try to reach your exercise goals.

As a Teacher of Sport and Physical Education, Tony Robinson has a keen interest in Health and Weight Loss issues. For handy hints and tips for weight loss visit http://www.weight-loss-arena.com

The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution

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If you are a fan of TV talk show host Oprah Winfrey, you probably knew about Dr. Phil McGraw some time ago. The advice guru is a favorite of Oprah's because of his uncanny ability to "tell it like it is." Dr. Phil has used the same no-nonsense approach on his own television program and has also introduced millions to a new perspective on dieting with his ultimate weight loss solution.

Dr. Phil's approach may not be revolutionary, but it is instructive. He preaches the gospel of healthy choices. This means understanding the emotions that cause you to overeat in the first place. He also offers tests to help you assess your own eating patterns. Once you understand how your mind works, you can begin the daunting task of changing your environment.

Dr. Phil argues that, while you may not be able to control circumstances, you can control your reaction to the difficulties that come your way. This means taking ownership of your responses and leaving little to chance. Such a stance can be quite empowering and can give you the confidence you need to succeed at weight loss.

Another aspect of Dr. Phil's plan is to resolve to quit complaining. You need to realize that your situation will never get better if you simply complain about it. Rather, you need to take decisive action. You also have to realize that you can have an impact on your own weight--that your weight problems are not the other guy's fault.

Your primary task is to rid your own personal world of the temptations that cause you to binge. After that, you need to devote your attention to nutritional concerns. Dr. Phil also believes in establishing a healthy system of exercise that can help you lose weight over the long term.

Dr. Phil also believes that it is important for you to establish a support network that will enable you to reach your weight loss goals. The importance of support cannot be overemphasized. It is difficult to accomplish anything in life without someone in your corner, cheering you on. The same is certainly true when it comes to weight reduction. You'll want a partner, someone you can turn to when the desire to overeat becomes overwhelming.

An interesting part of Dr. Phil's plan is the self-assessment. During his practice, Dr. Phil has found that some individuals sabotage their own diet success. They may actually feel uncomfortable about losing weight; therefore, they lose weight only to gain it back again. They may not be comfortable with the compliments they get from the opposite sex when they lose weight, so they hold onto their weight as a buffer against the outside world. As a result, Dr. Phil recommends that individuals slow down and take stock of themselves before going onto a weight loss program. During this slow-down period, they may identify those behaviors that keep them from having weight loss success.

Dr. Phil also recommends conducting a reality check from time to time. Challenge your own beliefs and pre-conceived ideas. See if they stand up to scrutiny. If not, it may be time to change your perspective about life in general and about weight loss in particular. Dr. Phil also suggests that you seek closure for the emotional issues in your life. This might mean attacking your own anger, or forgiving someone who has hurt you. With this closure, you can ready yourself to handle the challenge of losing weight.

Supporters of Dr. Phil's plan say that it is a common sense approach to weight loss. They applaud Dr. Phil for tackling the emotional issues surrounding weight gain. However, critics contend that there is nothing new or all that interesting in Dr. Phil's approach, that it covers ground that has been covered time and time again. In the end, you'll probably have to do your own research to determine if Dr. Phil's approach will work for you, or if another method would be better. The one positive aspect of Dr. Phil's prescription is that it is unlikely to harm you, and could actually do you a world of good.

As a Teacher of Sport and Physical Education, Tony Robinson has a keen interest in Health and Weight Loss issues. For handy hints and tips for weight loss visit http://www.weight-loss-arena.com