Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Quick Weight Loss Programs And Diets

No, Weight Loss Programs in the title is not a typo. It really is plural and was done intentionally. I did it for a reason. Well, 3 reasons really and I want to share them with you today.

The first reason being that you want to break the mindset that there is one and only one right way for you to eat. Don't think of yourself in terms of "Oh, I'm a Lo-Carber" or "Oh, I can't eat anything that has a J or T in the name." Eventually you will find a program to maintain your ideal weight but there will still be times when your goals change. There will be times where you want quick weight loss and one of the many weight loss programs will work better for those times.

A low carb diet can be great for dropping a few pounds and getting back into that little black dress for the big party. That same program may not suit you for maintaining your weight. Remember, you can't lose weight forever and if you are always eating like you are trying for weight loss you are not developing the right mindset for getting to your goal weight and maintaining it.

Once you find a few different programs that work for you, change them up as you want. Some weight loss programs are better than others depending on the situation. Go low carb for a month or two. Then enjoy a higher carb diet to get the most out of the holidays. There are no restrictions on what you can do with this and it can make life easier knowing that.

The second reason is that you will end up cutting out of your diet a whole bunch of healthy foods... forever. Many of those restricted foods have great health benefits when eaten as part of an overall sensible eating plan. Even donuts in moderation are good for the soul. I said in moderation, stop trying to rationalize that 1/2 dozen chocolate glazed donuts. There are not enough anti-oxidants in chocolate to justify it.

The third reason is that variety is the spice of life. Why reduce the pleasure in your life with unnecessary restrictions. When going out to eat or to a party you can't always control what is available. And once you start on the path of diet envy from watching other people enjoying themselves and you can't have one little taste it is hard to stay on track. Unless you have a medical or religious reason don't deprive yourself.

In addition to keeping things interesting you avoid some diet pitfalls. Do remember that your thought follow your actions. If you think one way and then do another you create emotional conflict. For example if you think of yourself as an "Anti-J/T Food" dieter and then have a Tuna steak for dinner followed up with some soothing Tea you may start mentally whipping yourself and that can derail your future efforts. You get enough grief from your parents don't start creating more problems for yourself.

Find a few different weight loss programs that work for you and use them when you like. Some are more adaptable to a maintenance diet than others and some can help you shed fat like magic. Ultimately, don't complicate your life through unnecessary restriction. Life is too short and you need the little pleasures along the way.

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