Good morning loves!

AmbitiousGirl515

Good morning from Lynchburg, Virginia! My name is Mika and I am 25 years old. I am aiming to lose 65 pounds my March 2012. With my persistance, and you guys encouragement I know that I can do this and that each of you can meet your goals! i will be checking into the community frequently. Do any of you have and weight loss suggestions that will help?

Thanks!

JulieF11

Good Morning Ambitious Girl! Good for you! Deciding to actually make the commitment is difficult enough, so let me see if I can help with a few suggestions that are working for me....

1) Find snacks that are low call and filling that you like, and stock up... Obviouls fruits and veggie, but I also stock up on the pre-hard boiled eggs (already boiled and peeled) in the deli section. I only eat the white part and that is only 15 cal. and satisfies me. Also Wasa Crisp crackers... ok they taste like cardboard, BUT if you are hungry and only have a few calories, one large cracker is only 30 cals and with a cup of hot tea, you will no longer be hungry.

2) Save some calories for a favorite snack. Don't use them up on diet foods and things that make you feel like you are on a diet, but things like a "real" chocolate chip cookie, etc. That way, you can look forward to that special snack each day and not feel deprived. In fact, before this plan, I never allowed myself to eat those forbidden foods.

3) Take a few minutes each day to write in a journal... not your foods, but your feelings. If you realize how others are affecting you, you will be able to make lasting changes and it's very freeing. You could even blog your feelings... whatever, but even if you think you aren't affected by others... writing out what was said or done, or not done... is therapeutic and invaluable! You'll start to realize that others affected you too much and that you have control over how much power you give others.

4) Try to say or do something nice to someone else each day... especially if they don't deserve it.... They won't expect it, and although they may not appreciate it, you know you have awesome character. This will help you want to make good changes for yourself. You can go to bed focusing on who you can help tomorrow... and how. It's a great feeling.

5) Daily: Forgive others for what they may have done or said to you in the past. They don't deserve it, but you do... Holding onto anger and hurt makes you want to retreat into the comfort zone, old habits. Let go. You are in control now, not them. This is a new life starting today. You deserve it.

6) Don't let a temporary setback (binge or plateau, etc...) hold you back... Keep plugging on. Don't wait to the new day, thinking something like "I've blown it today anyway".... NOPE... think minute to minute. It's a new minute.

I hope and wish you well. I'm so happy for you! You can and will do this.... if you keep focus, and refocusing when you accidentally fall into old habits.

Have a great week!

Jules

AmbitiousGirl515

JLFulmer,

Thanks so much for the encouragemet! I really appreciate it! I will keep you posted in regards to my results! Have a great day!