Lose Weight By Being Good To Yourself

Written By: Ernest J. Geeting, BA, NHC, C.Ht


In today's hectic society it's easy to become so busy we start to get pretty rough with ourselves. We short ourselves on sleep, eat things that are fast or convenient instead of healthy and generally ignore our body's cries for help.


1- Eat Smart. Stick with basic, whole foods. Much of the food consumed is highly processed which often includes the use of plenty of additives and results in high caloric values but low nutritional value. Keep your food choices simple. Choose foods as close to the way they were in nature as possible and avoid those which are fried, use bleached or white flour or add any sweeteners (including sugar or corn syrup). You will be surprised how much gentler healthy foods are to your system. Some people have eliminated their need for chemical digestive aids by just eating healthier foods alone.

2- Hydrate. Drink pure water or unsweetened teas with meals. Few people realize how many calories they consume in a day just from their beverages alone. I've known people who just eliminated their daily sodas and lost weight like crazy. You should still drink plenty of healthy liquids however as typically people will think they are hungry when they are actually mildly dehydrated. However, I suggest skipping carbonated beverage altogether, even those that are sugar free. I'm not sure why by for some reason in my experience those who avoid carbonated beverages have better weight loss results than those who don't. Finally, don't buy commercial teas in bottles as they usually contain added chemical preservatives you can omit by making your own fresh tea (you will save yourself money too).

3- De-stress. Not only do some people eat more when stressed there are changes within one's body chemistry that may affect their metabolism and thus their ability to break down and properly utilize the food they eat. Stressed eaters also tend to eat faster setting the stage for digestive upset. So take regular long hot baths, work on your favorite hobby, have tea with a friend...what ever you find relaxing and pleasant. So take time out for yourself to unwind and decompress from the stresses in your life. Your mind and body will thank you and reward you will better health.

4- Move it. Make it a point to gradually increase your activity level. Park a little bit further from the building when you go to the store or your workplace. Choose stairs over elevators. Offer some housekeeping help to an elderly neighbor. Plant and extra flower or two in your garden. Physical activity burns calories and that will help you with your weight loss plan. CAUTION: Some people have a tendency to go to extremes and jump into heavy activity from a standing start. Not only is this a bad idea for the sheer discomfort of sore muscles, it can actually be very dangerous. Who hasn't read about people who die every Winter shoveling snow from their driveway or taking up jogging in the Spring and dropping dead on the roadside after being sedentary all Winter. So start small and increase activity slowly... and don't even think about starting any rigorous exercise program without talking to your doctor.

You really can lose weight by being good to yourself. So slow down, listen to your body and take care of it's needs. Start eating more slowly and purposefully instead of scarfing your food down and stop ingesting food of low quality. View your food as fuel for your body, give it the best. Make sure you get proper rest, hydration and exercise. Some people take better care of their cars than they do their own body. Don't be one of them. Remember you are only given one body in this life and it is up to you to keep it in optimal shape. Put the above into action and watch your body become thinner and perhaps even healthier too.