Losing Weight the Fun Way

by Renee Dietz | More from this Blogger

21 Oct 2006 06:30 PM

Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight will tell you there is nothing fun about it. Even with commitment and determination, trying to lose weight is not easy or enjoyable for most people. More than likely, you have put yourself on a diet and for a week or two done extremely well. Then out of nowhere, it hits you - I want ice cream...no, my stomach is not growling but I still want ice cream!

The fact is that one of the worst things you can do while "dieting" is to deprive yourself of everything you like. The more you push all the "good" food aside, the more you will start to crave it. For this reason, I suggest you make losing weight fun by scheduling a cheat day or cheat food on occasion. Of course, you would not be able to eat chocolate mint ice cream on a daily basis but if you were to set Saturday as your special day, you are doing two things. In addition to making dieting easier and more enjoyable, you are actually triggering or resetting your metabolism so the body continues to lose weight.

Another great tip that really helps is to envision how you will look and feel once the weight is gone. If you are losing weight to get back down to where you once were, then chances are you have smaller size clothing or even pictures of your past life. Set these out so you can see them and then etch them in your mind, remembering how much healthier you felt. If you are losing weight for the first time, cut out photographs of people from magazines whose body you like. Just be realistic, not going for stick thin people but healthy people such as Scarlett Johansson who has beautiful curves.

You can also keep a food journal, taking inventory each day of every morsel you put in your mouth. While you do not want to become obsessed with this, the goal is to create a visual of what you have accomplished, as well as the areas that still need improvement. When you do reach a goal, reward yourself (but not with food). For example, if you set a monthly goal to lose six pounds and you reach that or better, then perhaps it would be a great time to buy some fresh flowers, treat yourself to a new pair of shoes, or something you really like.

Use spices when cooking, something many people overlook. Spices can change or enhance the flavor of food, making it appear more appetizing, as well as tasting better. Spend a little time in the kitchen experimenting with new creations. If you love sweets, try to simulate a recipe but using healthy and lower calorie ingredients. In this case, you might create a favorite cake using honey instead of white sugar! Take your "dieting" experience as something positive, keeping the final goal of a healthy body in mind.

Keep Cravings under Control

Learn more about Renee Dietz

I have been a successful, published writer for the past 26 years, offering a writing style that is informative, creative, and reader-friendly.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

beannie842002 (1396) 24 Oct 2006 11:34 AM

I went on a low calorie diet and on it you can eat about anything that you want. I would still pick a day that i could eat whatever i wanted and did not worry about how many calories i was eating. I really worked well doing that.

Renee Dietz (964) 30 Oct 2006 07:27 PM

GREAT....I lost 62 pounds over the past year doing this very thing...I am careful about what I eat but I also don't deprive myself. I have about 18 pounds to my goal....GOOD FOR YOU!