120 Reasons to Lose Weight

What are your reasons to lose weight?

Before beginning any weight loss program the first thing we should do is write a list of reasons you want to lose weight.

We are each individuals and each of us want to lose weight for our own reasons.

To help you get started …

Here’s 120 reasons to lose weight that we’ve gathered from previous readers.

1. Because I am worth it

2. To be able to really enjoy life

3. To feel better about myself

4. To increase my self-esteem

So I … reasons to lose weight

5. So a regular towel goes all the way around me

6. So I can crawl around on the floor hooking up computer cables without wondering how bad I look

7. So I can fit into movie theater seats comfortably

8. So I can get on with my Life and not worry about weight

9. So I can go bungee jumping

10. So I can shave my legs in the shower

11. So I can sunbathe without being self conscious

12. So I can walk between parked cars comfortably

13. So I can wash my hands in a sink with out getting a wet belly

14. So I don’t break toilet seats

15. So I don’t fear the onset of summer and light clothing

16. So I don’t feel uncomfortable when people around me are talking about weight

17. So I don’t get indents on my thighs from the arms of chairs

18. So I don’t have to wear clothes with elastic waistbands

19. So I don’t have to worry about arthritis or joint replacement when I get older

20. So I don’t have to worry about my bathroom scale breaking

21. So I don’t have to worry about weight restrictions on exercise machines

22. So I don’t look like the fat lady at the circus

23. So I don’t shy away from cameras

24. So I don’t take up the most space on a family picture

25. So I don’t think mean thoughts when I see skinny women

26. So I don’t think people are laughting or taking about me

27. So I don’t worry about spilling food down the front of my shirt

28. So I no longer get rashes in my rolls of fat

29. So I wont have to buy new clothes each season, because last years no longer fits

30. So I’m not embarrassed to have my picture taken

So my … reasons to lose weight

31. So my back doesn’t hurt so much

32. So my collarbone shows when I wear a low cut blouse

33. So my doctor stops telling me “You need to lose weight”

34. So my husband/wife can put their arms all the way around me

35. So my knees don’t hurt anymore

36. So my pants wont wear out between my legs

So no … reasons to lose weight

37. So no one calls me “big girl” or “big guy” again

38. So no one will ask me “When is your baby due” when I’m not pregnant

So people … reasons to lose weight

39. So people in the grocery store don’t look in my cart to see what fattening foods I’m buying

40. So people stop telling me “you have such a pretty face”

41. So those stupid gowns at the doctors office fit or are too big

To be able to … reasons to lose weight

42. To be able to bend over comfortably to tie my shoes

43. To be able to bend over without cutting off circulation

44. To be able to breathe easier

45. To be able to cross my arms around my chest without them resting on my stomach

46. To be able to cross my legs

47. To be able to get up from off the floor

48. To be able to go to “Ross Dress for Less” and find clothes that fit

49. To be able to hug my knees to my chest

50. To be able to look in a full length mirror with pride

51. To be able to order clothes from a catalogue

52. To be able to pick something up off the floor

53. To be able to play with my grandkids without getting exhausted

54. To be able to read the scale just by looking straight down

55. To be able to ride a horse again

56. To be able to ride all the rides at an amusement park

57. To be able to run and jump

58. To be able to run, romp and play with my kids

59. To be able to see my toes when I look down

60. To be able to show off my legs

61. To be able to show off my muscles

62. To be able to sit cross-legged on the floor in comfort

63. To be able to sit in a restaurant booth comfortably

64. To be able to sleep better

65. To be able to tell people my weight with out being ashamed

66. To be able to tuck my blouse under my pants/skirt

67. To be able to use a public washroom comfortably

68. To be able to walk in high-heels

69. To be able to walk up a flight of staris

70. To be able to wear a bra that actually fits

71. To be able to wear a regular sized watch band

72. To be able to wear cute dainty underwear

73. To be able to wear my wedding ring again

74. To be able to wear shorts in the summer

75. To be able to wear the hairstyle I want

To be … reasons to lose weight

76. To be an example of success for others that are loosing weight

77. To be comfortable behind the steering wheel of my car

78. To be healthier

79. To be in control of my weight

80. To buy the clothes I like, not just the ones that fit

To enjoy … reasons to lose weight

81. To enjoy getting dressed in the morning

82. To enjoy going clothes shopping

To feel … reasons to lose weight

83. To feel and look great in lingerie

84. To feel comfortable in my clothes

85. To feel good when stepping on the doctors scale

86. To feel good when wearing white or other light colors

87. To feel sexy

88. To fit inside those tiny bathroom stalls

89. To have a lap

90. To have just “One Chin”

91. To increase my energy

92. To increase my physical strength

93. To keep a sharp mind

94. To like the image I see in the mirror

95. To live long enough to see my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren etc

To look … reasons to lose weight

96. To look good in a tight dress

97. To look good in a t-shirt

98. To look good in ab business suit

99. To look lean and mean

100. To make my loved ones proud of me

To not … reasons to lose weight

101. To never be embarrassed about my size

102. To not be self-consious when I eat in front of others

103. To not feel lower than low when an innocent child makes a remark about my size

104. To not need an “extender” on seat belts

105. To not worry about lawn chairs breaking

106. To not worry about sitting on an airplane

To … reasons to lose weight

107. To reduce my blood pressure

108. To reduce my risk of certain cancers

109. To reduce my risk of heart disease and stroke

110. To reduce my risk of osteoarthritis

111. To reduce my stress level

112. To reduce the swelling in my ankles

113. To stop wearing loose unflattering clothing

114. To successfully flirt with the opposite sex

115. To take a bubble bath in luxury without overflowering the tub

116. To walk with ease

117. To wear a swimming suit with out being self-conscious

118. To wear clothes that don’t say “PLUS”

119. To wear panty hose that fit

120. To wear tight jeans

There you have it … 120 GOOD reasons to lose weight!

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Just One Bite

I woke up this morning energetic and ready to face the day. I knew that I would have no problem staying on my weight loss program. I can handle any obstacle that comes my way!

I cooked the kids bacon and eggs for breakfast. I had an egg white omelette with a slice of toast, no butter. As I was clearing the table I noticed my daughter left ½ slice of bacon on her plate …

I thought “What a waste! It’s just one bite, I might as well eat it. One bite won’t hurt my diet.” It tasted so good …

I didn’t write it down – because it was just one bite.

Later that morning I noticed my son left ½ his cookie on the counter.

I thought “What a waste! It’s just one bite, I might as well eat it. One bite won’t hurt my diet.” I devoured the sweet taste …

I didn’t write it down – after-all it was only 1 bite.

After lunch I noticed my son had left ¼ of his peanut butter and jelly sandwich on his plate.

I thought “What a waste! It’s just one bite, I might as well eat it. One bite won’t hurt my diet.” It’d been so long since I had the rich creamy taste of peanut butter in my mouth …

I didn’t write it down – after-all it was only 1 bite.

A little later in the day I passed my husbands candy dish in the den. I thought a handful of M&Ms wouldn’t hurt my diet … “It’s just one bite.”

I didn’t write it down – after-all it was only 1 bite.

I was cooking a good evening meal, baked chicken that we all could enjoy, lots of vegetables and fried potatoes for my husband and kids. I tasted the potatoes 3 or 4 times …

I didn’t write it down – after-all it was only 1 bite and I only tasted – it’s not like I ate a whole serving.

Later that evening when the kids were asleep, I sat down by my husband while he was watching TV and eating a bag of chips. He offered me one, and I took it – what would it hurt, it was only 1 bite …

As I lay down to go to sleep. I was so proud of myself. I had stayed on my diet plan all day. I drank my water, I wrote down all my meals. I knew that I was sure to lose a pound a two by the end of the week.

Every day was about the same … I’d have one bite of this and one bite of that … And oh to my shock I gained a pound that week!!!

How’d this happen? I stayed on plan, I logged all my meals and snacks, I drank all my water …. I just don’t understand it must be in my genetics I’m just doomed to be fat!

In the above scenario “Just one little bite” added up to 360 calories … (Bacon, 20 calories; cookie, 25 calories; PB sandwich, 100 calories; M and Ms, 100 calories; Potatoes, 100 calories; 1 chip, 15 calories.)

As you can see a nibble here and a nibble there can really add up. Remember calories do count on every single weight loss plan there is. So think before you take “Just One Bite”.

You might not think 360 calories is a lot – but it equals ONE POUND every TEN Days.

When losing weight it’s essential that you write dow every bite of food you put into your mounth. You are only cheating yourself if you don’t.

The Online Diet Tracker at Dietwatch is the Winner of Forbes Best of Web Award. It counts calories, carbs, and exercise! They make it sooo easy to track your food intake!

Technorati Tags: Mindless Eating, One Bite, Nibbling, Calories

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Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?

YES, nutritionists and dieticians all agree that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Your body has been at rest for eight or more hours. It’s been in a fast without food or water.

When you wake up your body’s internal fuel tank is on “Empty”. You need to fill it up and get it ready for the day. You should eat within one hour of waking up.

If you don’t eat your body will stay in starvation mode to preserve energy. You’ll likely feel worn-out through out the day.

Eating in the morning makes you mentally efficient and alert. It gives you vital nutrients and vitamins your body needs for optimal performance during the day. Some studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast each morning helps to reduce depression.

According to Webster dictionary, the word breakfast means:
The first meal of the day especially when taken in the morning

The top three nutritional mistakes Americans make are …

1. Skipping breakfast
2. Eating too little in the morning (like a cup of yogurt)
3. Eating fast food for your morning meal. Fast food lacks nutritional value, has high calories and fat.

What are the benefits of eating breakfast?

1. It jumpstarts your metabolism
2. It aids in weight loss
3. It gives you energy for the day
4. It helps your brain to function properly, helping you to think clearly
5. Improves short term memory
6. It nourishes our body, making it less likely to overeat later
7. School age children perform better on test scores

Even though we’ve heard our entire lives that breakfast is the most important meal of the day … Most people skip it …

Why do so many people skip breakfast?

1. There’s simply not enough time …
MAKE the time to eat. Get up fifteen minutes earlier. You can make it the night before. With a little planning it’s easy to eat a healthy meal every morning.

2. To assist in weight loss …
STOP skipping breakfast to lose weight. Numerous studies have proven that we eat more calories through out the day if we don’t eat in the morning.

3. Can’t “stomach” solid food in the morning …
Then DRINK …
Carnation Instant Breakfast
Protein Shakes
Smoothies
Vegetable or Fruit Juice

How does breakfast affect your weight?

After sleeping all night our bodies are in starvation mode. Our metabolism is at its slowest, burning very few calories while we slept.

The fastest way to wake up your metabolism is to EAT. Your metabolism instantly increases to provide the energy necessary to digest the food you ate.

If you normally don’t feel hungry in the morning, eat anyways. After years of skipping breakfast … you may be ignoring your bodies signal that it needs food. After a couple weeks of eating each morning, you’ll begin to wake up, feeling hungry and looking foward to eating.

Studies have proven that people who eat breakfast …

1. Eat fewer calories through out the day
2. Don’t suffer from blood sugar highs and lows
3. Have more energy
4. Make healthier food choices
5. Eat less saturated fat
6. Weigh Less

What Should I Eat?

A good HEALTHY breakfast INCLUDES protein, fiber and a small amount of fat.

Protein and fiber help you to feel full and satisfied longer.

Protein also gives your mental energy a boost. Eat between 300 to 500 calories. No more than 5 grams of fat and 6 grams of sugar.

Combine high protein foods such as eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt and meats with a high fiber toast, muffin, bagel or pita pocket. Add some fresh fruit for a filling healthy start to your day.

It’s important to read labels. Know what you’re eating. Cereal and milk is a great choice. Especially Oatmeal. There are some great cold cereals out there, such as Kashi Go Lean, Wheaties, and Total etc. Some cereals are heavily laden with sugar and lack some of the nutrients we need.

You should try to avoid high fat, high sugar foods. Coffee and a doughnut for an example may give you quick energy, but it is short lived. So when your energy drops what do you do? Probably reach for another high-sugar item – for that quick pick me up.

BE GOOD TO YOURSELF. Begin each and every day by eating a healthy breakfast.

By Guest Writer Janice Holbrook

Popularity: 6% [?]

Best Foods For a Healthy Life

The following foods not only help your body to lose weight but also increase your overall health, which is why they are wise choices for you all of the time, not only when you are on a diet. Some of these should come as no surprise, yet others may be news to you as they were to me.

Best Foods for a Healthy Life:

Fruits

If your craving something sweet, choose fruit. It’s natures candy and just might satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose a variety of fruits in an array of colors. Also choose all varieties of fruit.

Citrus fruits should be consumed daily as they are high in vitamin C. They also burn fat and naturally lower cholesterol.

Berries are thought to be the healthiest of fruits. They are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. They are great by themselves or mixed into a fruit salad or smoothie.

Vegetables

This should be a no brainer. Vegetables provide nutrients that our bodies need to survive. You should be eating 5 or more servings per day. Don’t forget about spinach. 2 cups of chopped raw spinach has only 13 calories and is loaded with vitamins, folic acid, beta-carotene, protein, and lutein (a potent anti-oxidant.)

Whole Grains

Whole grain breads and cereals provide you with complex carbs and healthy fiber. It is important for your body to have both to work right. To maintain a healthy, balanced diet, about 50 percent of your caloric intake should come from carbohydrates (remember there are good carbs and bad carbs).

Olive Oil

We need some fat, experts say one third of your calories should be from fat, because (healthy) fat gives you energy, helps with tissue repair, and transports Vitamins A, D, E and K around your body.

Olive Oil is a monounsaturated fat. It’s healthier to use than low-fat salad dressings and cooking oil…but remember a little goes a long way.

Nuts and Seeds

Another form of healthy fat …. Nuts and seeds (the ones without added salt and oil) provide protein, healthy fats, fiber, minerals and vitamins.

Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is one of those controversial foods yet if you choose one that’s natural and sugar-free with no added oil it can be as beneficial as plain nuts. It’s a great snack addition to curb cravings and tide you over between meals, especially if you add it to something like celery sticks.

Garlic

Garlic has a protective quality that helps reduce fatty deposits. It also acts as a natural antibiotic, boosting our immune systems and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Beans and Legumes

Beans and legumes help you feel full for a longer period of time. They are also an extremely healthy source of protein, fiber, iron and folate.

Soybeans

Soybeans contain lecithin which helps prevent fat from forming and also helps to break down fatty deposits. Eat soybeans a couple of times a week to help your body fight and block fat from forming and building up.

Lean Meat

Our bodies need protein and one of the best sources for protein comes from meat (not that there aren’t other sources if you decide meat isn’t right for you). You should try to stay away from high fat meats.

Fish

Fish is low in fat, high in protein and also contains omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is one of the main building blocks in our cells and helps to lower blood pressure. Replacing other meats with fish will not only save on calories but also helps to heal the damages done to your cells from a poor diet. Many people don’t realize it is recommended that we eat fish at least three times per week.

Oats

Whole oats contain b-glucan that helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. They also contain soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. Oatmeal is a great breakfast option as it is a great source for fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Low Fat Dairy

Calcium is an important part of our diets for strong, healthy bones. You can find great amounts of calcium and protein in dairy products, but of course we can do without the saturated fat that also comes in “regular” dairy products.

Low-fat milk and cheese contains all of the same calcium and protein without all of the saturated fat. Check low-fat salad dressing labels to make sure they don’t have added sugar.

Eggs

Eggs are vitamin packed and rich in protein. They are also extremely easy to prepare-just be careful what you put on them or in them. Hard-boiled is the healthiest form.

All of these foods contain many of the vitamins and nutrients that we need to keep our bodies performing in tip-top shape while also helping us to lose weight.

Eat a variety of different foods and in different combinations so your body gets all of the benefits from each type of food that you consume. For example: If you eat a banana and an apple each day, but no other fruits, you won’t reap the benefits of berries or citrus fruits. Also, you may grow tired of the taste which could lead you to stop eating the fruits all together or increase the chances of you binging on other sweet foods.

Technorati Tags: Healthy Eating, Healthy Foods, Healthy Diet, Healthy Life

Popularity: 7% [?]

120 Reasons to Lose Weight

Just One Bite

Is Breakfast the Most Important Meal of the Day?

Best Foods For a Healthy Life

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