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So you’ve tried “dieting” that “didn’t work.” So you tried a “lifestyle change,” which made you feel like you “weren’t yourself,” and so when you went back to “being yourself” you not only went back, but also got larger. Hmmmmm. Not what you had in mind? Here’s how to get back on track.

1. Forgive yourself. Realize that you are human and that almost everything in this culture is working against you and your efforts. This is an uphill battle against fast food, television, supermodels, TV dinners, snacks, soda, and all other edibles not normally found in nature.

You are fighting the 8-5 workday, high-heeled shoes, over-chlorinated water, hating to cook, beer and wine, your husband that is 6 feet tall and weighs 150 lbs AND the fact that he keeps getting better looking while you wilt and sag and gain (hey, smile—don’t take yourself too seriously). And let’s not forget about all things chocolate.

Forgiving yourself while you face all of these obstacles is essential, and it’s part of the game. Remind yourself that it took you awhile to put the weight on. Changing yourself doesn’t happen overnight.

2. Pay for your weight loss. Make an investment in yourself, and a commitment in cold, hard cash. Join Weight Watchers Online or get a personal trainer at the gym of your choice. Visit your doctor, see a dietitian, and spend some money. You are more likely to stick to something that you are have paid for up front. No one likes to waste money.

3. Do Some Research. Get your hands on as much reading material as you can. Learn all that you can about eating right, exercise, things that help, things that don’t help. You need as much help and knowledge as there is in the world to help you stick to your goals, and to help you maintain your weight when you get there. So buy a magazine, do a Google search for whatever is on your mind. Call a friend that knows a crapload about health. Shop at Whole Foods or Trader Joes; read the ingredients labels.

Knowing about gluten, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, MSG, sodium, and all thing unpronounceable is a key factor in rejecting them as options. Keeping yourself informed will probably keep some things from being appetizing. Easy Cheese is probably not a food you’ll want to eat knowing that paper products more closely resemble food than that stuff does.

4. Drink your Water. Buy a Brita water filter and some bendy straws—they’re fun and they actually do help. Decide whether you like ice or don’t like ice (I don’t really like ice all the time). Have a glass with every meal, even if you want a diet soda, wine, coffee or tea also. Fill up every time your glass is empty whether you are thirsty or not. Keep a 24-pack in the car just in case. It really can help keep you full. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that water is filling, but it can keep you full longer, it helps keep your skin healthy, it flushes out toxins, wards off headaches and chapped lips as well as improves circulation.

5. Create Achievable Goals. My goal today actually is to drink my water. I haven’t set a minimum, but I am taking my own advice. I have a bendy straw. I had water with breakfast even though I was drinking coffee. My glass is full and I’m not even thirsty right now, but you know what? I am mindlessly drinking water today rather than mindlessly eating food in front of my computer. Much better I say.

My other goal today is to go to the gym. Notice, my goals are not to drink 100 oz of water after going at least a week without any attempt at drinking water. Nor is it to run 6 miles the day after I signed up for a membership. Just to do little things that I can surely make happen so that I can feel like I can accomplish anything when the going gets much tougher.

So remember your past successes and draw upon the strength that those bring you. I have quit smoking and I feel completely like a non-smoker these days. It took about two years of trying again and again but I finally accomplished it—even when I’ve been drinking. That brings me strength when I think that losing weight is impossible.

Sweet potato fries make better oven fries. They turn out more crisp and have more flavor. And since virtually everyone loves fries, these are a great alternative to the traditional potato kind. Enjoy these with a reuben sandwich or whatever pleases you. Here is what you’ll need to make these tasty treats…

• 2 sweet potatoes cut into wedges
• 1 tbs. Olive oil
• Seasoned salt

1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Toss potatoes and olive oil together in large bowl until potatoes are coated.
3. Arrange potatoes on cookie sheet, bake for 10 minutes.
4. Flip; bake for 10 more minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.

Enjoy!

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