Life is a series of challenges! We face challenges that affect our family, our jobs, our finances, our health. I faced the challenge of taking control of my health by changing my eating habits and losing weight in order to avoid wearing the C-Pap device for sleep apnea. Losing weight is a great motivator when you are told by your doctor that your health is at risk. I listened to my doctor and was determined to do whatever it takes to get myself to a healthy place.
It wasn’t easy, but I knew it was necessary. I checked out some diet programs and found them to be quite expensive, especially when the plan required purchasing their meals. I also found that many of the foods were not tasty. If it doesn’t taste good, I’m not going to eat it! So I challenged myself to find foods I could purchase in the supermarket that would not only taste good, but be low in fat, sugar and calories.
I became a “super sleuth” in the grocery store, checking out ingredients in products and opting for fat-free and low-calorie items. After many months of product and ingredient investigation, and many “taste tests” (if it didn’t taste good, it was off my list), I formulated a list of foods that I enjoyed eating and that helped me lose the weight I needed to lose. Good-bye C-Pap, hello The Shrinking Belt and a healthy size 6!
Although I have kept the weight off since 2010, there are still challenges that I face, the biggest one being TV time. Most of us get the “munchies” when we are sitting and watching television so I have listed a variety of snacks in The Shrinking Belt grocery list that will satisfy without “bulging your belly.” Another challenge is staying on track when attending parties (all the food looks so good) or dining out (deciding what to order). I have included tips and suggestions for choosing foods that won’t make you dread getting on the scale the following morning. Also look for my strategies on enjoying “Happy Hour” as well as how to survive a “Potluck” dinner, all without guilt.
And of utmost importance is portion control. Even if a food is sugar free, non fat and low in calories, huge portions on your plate and overeating is not healthy and will not achieve the desired results you expect. I face these challenges by reaching for the telephone and calling a friend instead of reaching for food. Going outdoors for a walk with my dog, Bentley, helps me to avoid temptation and refreshes the body and mind. Meditation helps me to relax and de-stress. And dancing around the house to my favorite music fills me with energy, puts a smile on my face and brings happiness to my day, as it will to yours!
