Successful Diet Tips That Have Been Tested

It's always great to get tips and strategies that are successful in a weight loss program. I like to read about studies that have been done and the results. Although I think some studies are too narrow and some too biased, it gives me a base to which I can do my own evaluation.

Self Magazine had some it's readers try the most popular statagies. Here are the results from a three week study.

1.Skip All Soda
Pounds Lost...... 1 to 8 (average 4)
Soda contains zero nutrients. Water is the best alternative as it aids in
digestion.

2. Eat Breakfast, even if you're not hungry
Pounds Lost...... 3 to 8 (average 5)
You'll teach your body to adjust to A.M. calories, so you'll need fewer
later in the day. *250-500 calorie per morning

3. Banish Trigger Foods From Your Home
Pounds Lost...... 1 to 10 (average 6)
If you keep treats in the house, opt for the single-serve portions many
are only 100 calories.

4. Swap in Lowfat, Fat-free Or Sugar-free Versions Of Foods You Crave
Pounds Lost...... 0 to 1 (average 1)
Using this strategy, you can eat what you love without excess calories.
Read your labels...low fat doesn't mean low calorie.

5. Use Smaller Plates And Glasses
Pounds Lost...... 0 to 3 (average 1)
We eat on the average, 92% of food we put on our plate. This is a way
of tricking yourself into eating less.

6. Dine Out Less Often
Pounds Lost...... 2 to 11 (average 6)
Resturant meals usually have about 50% more calories, fat and sodium
than home cooked meals.

7. Rate Your Hunger Before Deciding To Eat
Pounds Lost...... 0 to 4 (average 1)
Regularly checking your need for food will help you comtrol how much you
end up eating.

8. Start Your Meal With Soup, Salad or Fruit
Pounds Lost...... 1 to 2 (average 1.5)
Keep your first course high in volume and around 100 calories and you'll
shrink your total daily intake.

9. Eat Your Meals With No Distractions
Pounds Lost...... 0 to 5 (average 3)
When you get distracted, you mindlessly consume extra calories.
Eat slowly, concentrate on your food's taste and texture.
By changing the way you eat, you may change how much you eat.

You can read the comments of the people who tested these tips here.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Tax Deductions for Weight Loss

It's that time of the year again. Time to file our 2007 Federal Income Tax. Treament for conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and heart disease are eligible deductions on your federal tax form as long as certain conditions are met.

Fees you pay for membership in a weight loss reduction group and attendance at peridioc meetings meet the criteria.

You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses. On the other hand, you can include sepaerate fees charged at these places for weight loss activities.

In order to claim any of these items on your federal income tax form, you must file the itemized form. To get a better understanding of all items that meet the criteria, check IRS Publication 502. It also covers most frequently asked questions.

There are a couple of other sites that have some good examples of programs that are eligible. I've covered them in this post.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Losing A Dear Friend

I met Debbie 30 years ago at college. It was my first day of my first class. I was a bit nervous as I was 28 years old and hadn't studied in so many years. I saw an empty seat next to a woman that looked to be close to my age in the back row and headed right for it.

That day was the beginning of a lasting friendship. It was also her first day of class and her first class as well. We figured it must have been God's Will for us to meet. Although we had never met, she was from my home town. I recognized her last name and had a vague memory of one of her sisters.

I still remember when we graduated Junior College. We were assembled in the cafeteria as a group before going to the auditorium for the ceremony. As we were waiting, my name was called. My heart dropped. I figured I must have flunked my final in Geometry and wouldn't be graduating. To my surprise, I was handed an envelope with a gold tassle. Wow, I was graduating with High Honors. I knew then, Debbie's name was going to be called too. Yep, she also got a gold tassle for her efforts. We were so proud of ourselves that night.

We transfered to a University and continued our studies for another four years, graduating with a Masters Degree. After graduation, we didn't see much of each other. Our jobs lead us in different directions.

I ran into Debbie about 4 years ago at the grocery store near my mom's house. It had been over 10 years since we had seen each other. I told her I had just moved back to town and gave her my address.

It was great having a Christian friend back in my life. I'll always remember the Bible studies and prayer meetings we had.

Debbie spent most of her life helping the poor and homeless. She'd teach God's Word while trying to find people a home, a job, and get them clothing. She never had much money or possessions but still shared with others.

I moved down south little over a year ago. She called about 6 months ago and planned to come visit. Money was always tight so she wasn't sure when she was going to make it.

I have the newspaper sent down here. Although I have no intentions of ever moving back there, I still like to keep up on the hometown news.

I was so shocked last week when I read the obituraries....my girlfriend. Debbie, had died!! She was only 59 years old. I had sent her a Christmas card but hadn't got a response. I hadn't really thought much about it. I figured she probably didn't have money for cards or stamps. Something was telling me I ought to give her a call. I kept telling myself....I'll call her some other time.

I was equally surprised to read she died on my birthday. I'm still feeling so bad. I wish someone would have called me when she got sick....I wish I would have called when that little voice told me to phone her.

Debbie is going to be missed by many.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

La Weight Loss.....Many Caring Counselors

Whether you are trying to lose weight or find that perfect dress....the service you receive from the employee is never the same. Some people are good at their job while others are only there to collect their paycheck. They don't care about the service they render.

I have had over 60 comments left on the LA Weight Loss Closing post I made. Many are from irate customers. There are also many comments from LA Weight Loss counselors who really cared about their customers.

Check out the comments here. Many of the counselors left instructions on how to continue with the program. There are also counselors still willing to help clients on their own.

Don't give up on your weight loss program because La Weight Loss Centers closed. Continue the commitment you have made to yourself and you will continue to lose weight. Watch the scale go down as you climb the ladder of weight loss success.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Diet...An Easy Weight Loss Recipe for 2 pounds per week

It is human nature to look for the easiest way to accomplish a task. This is evident when you look at all the weight loss products and gadgets that are on the market today.

I was visiting Funny Jack's weight loss blog. He has a sure fire recipe for losing 2 pounds a week. It brought a smile to my face as I read it. Stop by and check it out. I think you will have to agree, it's a GREAT diet recipe for anyone trying to lose weight.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Weight Loss Motivation Using A Pedometer

How much do we weigh....how much weight do we need to lose? Our society is all about numbers. Seeing things in black and white gives us something to gage our success/failure. A recent study done by Stanford University, shows using a pedometer will make people walk more. People increase their steps by about 2,000 steps per day according to Dr Dena Bravata, a research scientist at Stanford. In turn, more exercise will lead to increased weight loss.

The American Medical Association did an analysis of 26 studies concluding that using a pedometer is a motivator in increasing physical acivity. They found the more sedetary a person is, the more effective a pedometer is in motivating her/him.

My favorite pedometer is the Omron JH-112. I've been using this one for about couple of years. It has a 7 day memory and is easy to use. They are reasonable priced and can be purchased at most local retail stores.

Many things can help motivate you on your weight loss journey. A pedometer is just one of them. Give it a try. (Remember to keep track of your steps in a journal so you can measue your weight loss success.)

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

No New Years Resolutions...Reflections & Anticipations

Every year I ring in the new year, I am close to celebrating another birthday. Eight more days and I add another digit. I'm going to be 57 years old.

As I sit and reflect on the past years, an array of events have been swirling through my head. I think about the joys, and sorrows experienced by family, friends, and nations during the past year. I reflect on the things I have done/not done to make things better.

I am an optomist and look forward to the new year. For me, the new year is all about, strengthening family ties....making new friends..... experiencing new adventures and helping people in my community. I don't call these my new year resolutions. They are my plans to my little part of the world a better place to live.

Life........I love it!!!!

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Weight Loss Motivation Using A Pedometer

How much do we weigh....how much weight do we need to lose? Our society is all about numbers. Seeing things in black and white gives us something to gage our success/failure. A recent study done by Stanford University, shows using a pedometer will make people walk more. People increase their steps by about 2,000 steps per day according to Dr Dena Bravata, a research scientist at Stanford. In turn, more exercise will lead to increased weight loss.

The American Medical Association did an analysis of 26 studies concluding that using a pedometer is a motivator in increasing physical acivity. They found the more sedetary a person is, the more effective a pedometer is in motivating her/him.

My favorite pedometer is the Omron JH-112. I've been using this one for about couple of years. It has a 7 day memory and is easy to use. They are reasonable priced and can be purchased at most local retail stores.

Many things can help motivate you on your weight loss journey. A pedometer is just one of them. Give it a try. (Remember to keep track of your steps in a journal so you can measue your weight loss success.)

Read More...

[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Weight Loss Competition....How Well Does It Work?

I think most people are competitive at some level. I believe a person's competitive spirit can be a motivating factor. It can be applied to all area's in a person's life. Today, I'm focusing on the success of competition in a weight loss program.

There are many ways in which a person can compete in their own weight loss journey. A few weight loss competitive methods are:
1. Self vs. family member/friend
2. One group vs. another group (neighborhood/gym)
3. Self vs. online friend/group
4. Self vs. me (do better than the previous week/month)


If you decide to try one of these on your weight loss journey, document your day. It makes it so much easier to see how and why you succeeded/failed when it is down in black and white.

A new competative weight loss site just popped up. Two brothers are competing against each other to lose weight/body fat. I'm going to track their success. You can check their site out here.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]

Pure Weight Loss Centers.....Are They All Closing?

In the past few days, I've had a lot of comments left regarding the closings of Pure Weight Loss Centers on a previous article I wrote. It appears many are closing effective January 4, 2008.

With so many people making New Year's Resolutions to lose weight, I would have thought business would have picked up in January.

I went to the Pure Weight Loss Center website. When I tried to talk with someone, I kept getting, "All circuits are busy now. Try your call later." I then decided to try the choice that asking you if you're interesting in joining. Like magic...I got through. I called 1-800-331-4035. They must be able to monitor where the calls come from as this girl immediately told me she had two Pure Weight Loss centers in Memphis and one in Southhaven, TN. Since I live two hours from either of those towns, I asked her about a center in Jackson, TN. The phone number for that Pure Weight Loss Center is 1-731-661-9002. (Today 01/03/08, I checked and the website no longer exists.)
I called the office located in Jackson, TN and asked her if that center was closing down. She told me no!! She stated it was the CORPORATE Pure Weight Loss Centers that were closing. All the FRANCHISE Pure Weight Loss Centers are still going to be in operation.

Maybe if you call the 1-800-331-4035, they can direct you to a Pure Weight Loss Center which is a franchise in your area. Since each of them are independently owned, I'm sure the answers will vary somewhat with each business.

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[Source: Fatty Weight Loss]