Wanna Lose Weight?

At first, I wanted to gain because I got so tired of people saying that I would blow away if a strong wind came. But guess what? We all tend to fall in that category of people-pleasing. If I knew then what I know now, I would have told everybody who called me "skin and bones," where they could go. My mom always used to say, "Terri, you don't need to gain any weight - she would add, trust me, as you get older, the weight will come and you will hate you have it." In a minute, I'm going to share a few easy tips for you to follow that will help you lose weight - no gimmicks, no special pills, formulas, and no extreme workouts!

Please know that as we get older, our metabolism slows down. But there is hope for a slothful metabolism - yes, there is. Also, be aware that every person's body is different. Some are naturally thin, while others inherit the "big bone" syndrome. Nonetheless, most of us were not just plain fat without cause.

For some of us, life has served a curveball that undoubtedly became too hard to control. For example, illnesses are concerns for medications - and medications can cause weight gain. A sedentary lifestyle will put the pounds on for sure - you can take that to the bank. Yes, I'm about to go there, what we eat will pack on the pounds too, but not as much as how we eat. Lastly, stress will pad our bodies with unwanted fats. So, let's get down to business and find out how to beat this massive fatty pandemic.

Since I've been on both sides of the spectrum as it refers to weight, I can share my personal experiences in hopes of helping you reach your goal.

While in my early 20's my weight ranged from 102 - 110 lbs. A decade later, and after consuming Ensure, I added about ten more pounds. Once I turned 40 - 50, the weight kept coming. Soon, I found myself weighing 168 lbs. all stacked on a 5'3" frame. My knees hurt, couldn't tie my shoes without fighting with my stomach, and fatigue was like, "Look, we are not moving today! So, how did I go from 110 to 168?

1. STRESS for me was number one. I was so busy working, trying to make demands that I did not disperse the stress from my body as I should. I became too tired to work out and needed medication to cope. Now, I'm not telling you to stop any medicines that your doctor has prescribed for you - but you still can incorporate a low level of exercise while at work that will suppress stress tremendously.

LET'S DO IT!

While at work, take advantage of your lunch hour and breaks. Did you know that you can put in 30 minutes of cardio (walking) in 10 increments? If you are an early riser, put in 10. Once you get home and settle in, make it a point to get ten more minutes in - rest, and push ten more minutes. Before you realize it, you will reach 30 minutes of cardio! Dedicate at least three days a week, for starters. You will feel much better, and the weight will begin to shed.

2. FOOD was an issue as I got older; I used to not care for junk food, but when I got older, I started eating cakes, pies, cookies, candy, chips, whatever my hand could raise to my lips, I would eat. I'm not too fond of diets, and I'm not going to suggest a diet for you. Simply because if you abruptly stop eating a certain way, you will surely lose. BUT once you lose, you will tend to go back to those foods and gain even more weight.

LET'S DO IT!

Whether you are working or retired, cardio is a must. Remember, for beginners, the 10-minute increments of cardio are a great place to start. As you lose, you don't want to look at hanging skin. So, I suggest you start with a small strength training program. Incorporate strength training along with your cardio regiment and alternate your days. There are all sorts of workout programs on YouTube! For me, I ate what I wanted, BUT I ate in MODERATION. To prevent withdrawals, yep, you will crave sweets and salty foods if abruptly cut off. Like with meds, ween yourself off of certain foods that you seem to possess. My taste buds crave salt, especially after I've eaten something sweet. So, instead of eating half to an entire bag of chips (8 oz bag of Sour Cream Ruffles), I would purchase the smaller snack bags (1oz). Instead of two to three slices, one slice of cake was a change I made for sweets. And candy - I would pop a piece of peppermint stick in my mouth to satisfy the candy crave.

Once you start working out, your body will crave different foods such as nuts, fruits, veggies, and even meats. It will also demand water. Your metabolism will reappear and join the party, thus causing more weight to shed.

Today, I am happy to announce at 61 years old, I weigh 125 pounds with a waistline of 28 inches! You can do it too! Maybe 125 is too small for your frame. Research a healthy weight for your height and set a desired healthy weight for you. All it takes is prayer, determination, consistency, and self-control, which is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Take care of your temple! Your body is your temple, and it is designed to be used by God.

Stay tune on more on "Wanna Lose Weight," on my next weight losing blog.