TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

RULE OUT MEDICATIONS... Some medications can work against diets. It sounds strange but it is true. Are you taking a medication that can cause weight gain or water retention? This is why it is so important for you to talk to your doctor or health care provider before and during your diet program. Dieting is hard enough without making it harder by being on a medication that is fighting against what you are trying to do.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

RELIEVE STRESS... People with uncontrolled stress are more prone to insomnia. But exercise, meditation, yoga, and other techniques can help you relax. Do something to relieve stress each day.
This might be a tip to help you get a better night's sleep but it works the same with overeating. If you are stressed, unhappy, tired, or bored you will overeat and that will then lose sleep as well and not getting enough sleep will then cause you to overeat be stressful and the cycle keeps going. Do whatever you can to reduce your stress levels.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

GET SOME SUN...It will help improve your mood and energy levels throughout the stressful winter months. Open shades during the day, sit near windows when indoors, and spend some time outside each day.
This is so important. It really can change your mood when it snows or rain every day for weeks on end. Changes are if you are moody or depressed during the winter months you are eating more than you really want or need to. Be careful the weather can without you realizing it determine how much and what you eat.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

BUILD A BETTER BURGER... Nix the cheese, to save 50 calories and 3 grams of fat or more. (or at least use fat free cheese. Swap beef for a veggie burger, use wheat buns not white and pile on the tasty, low cal toppings like onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and mustard.
I rarely eat meat and instead I eat a lot of chicken and turkey. By using Mrs Dash there is plenty of extra spices and flavor and I don't miss the beef flavor. There is also a product by "Morning Farms", I think that is made with soy/vegetable protein and really tastes not bad. Again there are several other ways you can have a cheese burger without all the extra calories and fat. Just be creative and think outside the box.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

STAY POSITIVE... Everyone makes mistakes, so there will be times when even the most disciplined person overeats or skips a workout. Don't worry-just get back on track. Staying positive is half the battle.
This is the perfect tip for a Monday. If you went astray this weekend or last week it could be only due to stress, illness, or simply because it is spring (vacation for some). Just start again today and don't be so hard on yourself.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

DON'T OVERDO...LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. This tip is mostly for me. I painted the kitchen ceiling and all the walls. I was up and down on the ladder and step stool about 500 times at least. Needless to say I can't walk. I am sitting here counting the minutes until I can take some Ibuprofen for the pain. I am pretty sure I won't be able to walk tomorrow. The sad thing is I need to put on a second coat of paint in there. I should have listen to my body and taken more breaks, slowed down, waited for Calvin to be feeling better so he could help, and asked for help. I will regret it even more tomorrow. All things whether it is exercising, walking, shopping, working on a hobby or yes painting a room in your home, requires moderation. It is just common sense. Something I was lacking today.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

TRY A HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT... Most places are enjoying spring and this is the time to get out in the yard and plant some flowers, work up a garden spot, or just spruce up the outside of the house. For us in Klamath Falls where it has been snowing all day our home improvement projects are inside for awhile. This weekend I am painting my kitchen. Because I am old I am going to paint the ceiling, walls, molding, and trim all the same color. I am going bold and painting it white. I can then just change the colors easier. It will take all weekend I am sure but hope to be finished by Sunday night when I go to bed. I am hoping this will give me lots more exercise time and energy. Look around your home and see if there is something you can do this weekend to use up some extra energy. If you don't own your home or the home improvements needed are just to big to begin, start small. Clean out and get rid of extras in a closet or just one room of the house.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

JUST SAY NO... Just because everyone is eating does not mean that you have to. Choosing smaller portions shouldn't offend others, but sometimes it may be necessary to decline, especially a second portion.
This is easy for me anyway. I don't like to be rude but I have found if I eat in a different room then it is easier for me to eat less. I don't really know how to eat less when you are with others and sitting around a table visiting.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

STAY ACTIVE... Don't mistake being "busy" with being "active". You still need to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Break that 30 minutes into several smaller sessions if you are pressed for time.
I need to remember this. I am often busy but I wouldn't say I am really all that active. It has been 5 days since I have really exercised simply because we have had company, I have had several migraines, I tweaked my knee and my foot has been hurting more than usual. I know that they are all simply excuses and poor ones at that but it does seem to help me justify my lack of exercising time. I have kept "busy", but that is not always enough. I am going to do all the prep tomorrow morning, including the sanding all the molding and then Saturday morning I am going to start and I hope paint all the kitchen from walls to and including the ceiling. That should keep me both "active" and "busy". Find a way to get active this weekend.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

MINIMIZE YOUR MEATBALLS... Meatballs at a restaurant can weigh up to 8 ounces-more than twice a serving of meat. Make your own with extra lean turkey or beef and make them the size of a die. Six should equal a 3 ounce portion.
This is a good tip but a bit too late. I made meatballs last week and have been eating them all week. They are the size of a golf ball and I have been having 5 of them for my main meal on several days. I just eat the meatballs and some green beans but nothing else so I am hoping I won't put any weight on with these things.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

BRING ON A BETTER BANANA SPLIT... Split a banana and scoop on fresh, frozen or canned (packed in water) fruit. You can then top with vanilla yogurt and even sprinkle on a few nuts.
I like this tip except for the yogurt. You can even mix several fruits together for a cold refreshing smoothie.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

DON'T SKIP MEALS... If you eat healthy foods at regular intervals throughout the day, you're much less likely to overeat at evening meals, parties, or when going out to eat.
This makes good sense. If you sit down to eat and you are starving or think you are you will eat much more than you need or want to. If you remember to drink a full glass of water before your meal you will feel full and eat less as well. I eat every 2-3 hours and that seems to work for me most of the time. Many doctors and diet experts will tell you to eat 6 smaller meals at regular intervals rather than 3 bigger meals to keep you metabolism stable and your energy up. Try it and see if it works.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

TINY SIZE IT... Cut calories by cutting portion sizes. Cut pies into 10 slices instead of 6 or 8. Cut brownies and cakes into bite size and bake smaller cookies and mini muffins.
This is a great tip if you eat desserts. It is a good tip if you don't eat desserts and if you are just in the mood for desserts then this is a smart tip. Have something sweet and make it small. I have to eat at 7PM and 10PM tonight and I know now that my last one is going to be one of my soy chocolate brownie.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

REST UP... Don't skimp on sleep. You'll only feel stressed out and run down. Plan your days so you can check off your to-do list and still make it to bed for 8 hours of shut eye.
I have not gotten even 6 hours of sleep per night for the last month and it is showing in my diet and exercising. I am still holding firm and not gaining but not losing either and part of that is partly because of the lack of sleep. You will feel better and get more accomplished during the day if you are well rested. If you need to and can take a short nap in the afternoon but don't sleep so long that you can't sleep at night.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

DE-STRESS/TALK TO SOMEONE... You'll enjoy life more if you're calm and relaxed. Make stress, relief a priority by journaling, meditating and exercising regularly. When thing get hectic, take a step back and refocus on what matters most.
If journaling, meditating, and exercising doesn't work the way you feel it should, then talk to someone. You do not have a professional if you don't want to. Talk to a friend, family member, or minister. Your emotional well being CAN/WILL effect your weight loss progress. For example: For 2 months now my life has been more than a little hectic. Two deaths and funerals, frustration over mom and dad's house, very sore mouth, tweeked knee, Calvin's boss cancelling our health insurance, which would have been okay because we can use his monthly commissions to pay our own health insurance, but then the witch cancelled his commissions too. Add to all this personal stress even more emotional issues and it turns out I am not sleeping good. The more sleep I lose the more emotional I become and the more emotional I become the more sleep I lose. As you can see it is a rough cycle I am in. Needless to say I am not losing any weight. I have not gained any but I am not losing either.
So what does all this rambling mean? It is just to show that your emotional sense of well being can and does have a direct effect on all aspects of your life, including your diet plan. IF YOU NEED HELP...ASK FOR IT... I am going to get a priesthood blessing tonight since I have finally concluded that I can't help myself anymore. I also talked with a good friend in here who lovingly gave me an attitude adjustment and sometimes that is all we need.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY 1000TH POST

WASH YOUR HANDS... Winter time coincides with cold and flu season. Keep germs at bay by washing your hands well after shopping, visiting, changing diapers, spending time on the computer, yes even your own, completing any and each household chore and more. No one likes to be sick or around anyone who is.
Now what does this tip have to do with dieting? Easy. I love it when my hands are nice and clean and I have applied hand lotion. I do not want to eat something with my hands and get lotion in my mouth, it takes the flavor out of the food. By keeping my hands extra clean and lotion on them I stay away from food. At least finger food.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

THINK SPRING... Oh beautiful spring, new beginnings, beautiful flowers, green buds on the trees, tree blossoms, the smell of fresh green grass, and of course spring cleaning. I LOVE IT ALL... I eat when Calvin is gone and I am bored. So the simple answer is stay busy and don't let Calvin leave. Well that isn't going to work at least the keeping Calvin at home. He has to work and his job takes him out of town. The part where I am bored is entirely my own fault. I know it is winter, which is dark and gloomy outside but Spring is just around the corner, or so I am told. I have a suggestion for us all. Let's take on a BIG BIG BIG spring cleaning project. It will require work. First you have to decide on the project, work up a plan to accomplish the project, gathering the materials needed for your project, and then get going. Remember part of the planning is working the budget. Yes I know that is an ugly word but necessary. I have decided to go through this house one room at a time to keep myself busy. I have painted the small bedroom and all it needs now is to hang some pictures. I have about 40 plus quilt blocks finished so far and so the month of April I will work on my bedroom. I am planning on painting 3 walls white and the one accent wall will be painted red, the color of the backing and center of the quilt blocks and also paint the 2 dressers and 2 nightstands that same color red. The month of March I am working on the kitchen. Joleane will be down this next weekend and she is going to help me paint the kitchen ceiling and then I will paint the walls the same shade of white as the ceiling. The only other thing I want to do in the kitchen is replace all my dishes and curtains. I don't need to change them, I just really want to. I have just spent 15 minutes on this post and have 2 months worth of spring cleaning projects that will keep me busy and away from eating. If this sounds like just too much work, start off slow, maybe just 1 closet each week or month. I promise if you start some cleaning projects, you will be happy with the outcome of a new clean home but you will be moving more and losing pounds and inches.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

WALK MORE... MOVE IT, MOVE IT, MOVE IT. Keep a brisk walking pace while you do your weekly shopping. Instead of wasting time looking for a closer parking spot, take a faraway one to increase your activity and save time. This is not meant just for your shopping but think about how many errands you run each week. The library, the dry cleaners. the school, church, doctor offices, post office, and even drug store or Kmart. If you add just a couple of dozen steps with each errand you will be amazed how those steps add up. Now you might be thinking I don't have errands to run today then don't let that stop you. Just do a little walking around the house, inside or out. Enjoy the sunshine no matter what shape it might take, rays, drops, flakes or even hail stones.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

DON'T SKIP MEALS... If you eat healthy foods at regular intervals throughout the day, you're much less likely to overeat at a social gathering or even dinner with the family.
I think this is the most important tip that I have found and tried and stay with it. I eat every 2-3 hours apart but never more than 3 hours. I find if I eat every 2-3 hours I don't seem to be very hungry and I can keep better control of the amount of food. I start off the day eating every 3 hours apart but if it is getting late in the day then I move the last one or two up to 2 hours apart. I also just have a cup of hot chocolate at night before bed as my last meal of the day. It is only 110 calories, it is warming and helps me relax and settle down for the night. A cup of chicken noodle soup with just 110 calories is a good meal just before bed.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

FOCUS ON PEOPLE... To often, food takes center stage of our holiday gatherings. Instead, focus on your loved ones, activities, and other traditions that make your time together special.
It seems that any time family or friends gather there is ALWAYS food served. I know I am in charge of the women's activity each month and one of the first thing I decide after the theme is how am I going to decorate and what will we serve. I need to remember WE DON'T HAVE TO EAT A BIG MEAL AT EVERY GATHERING. We have been told to simplify so for April we will just serve cookies and milk or cupcakes and milks. We could even change the cupcakes into muffins. Might just be a few less calories. It just takes a little planning but I think we should all be able to gather with family and friends and not add 5 pounds to our weight. Try it next time you get together and then let me know how it went.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

GET AND STAY ORGANIZED... Keep a running list of errands, groceries, events and commitments and make a plan to finish as many things in as few car trips as possible. You'll save time, gas and your own sanity.
I LOVE this tip. Mostly because it uses the word "organized". I think I am a very organized person. For example: I am making a crazy quilt for MY bed. First thing I did was gather up the fabrics I would be using, next I cut 6-8 strips in different lengths and put them into other baskets according to colors, next I took just 3-4 strips of each fabric and put into yet another basket to use by my machine, then I cut all the background squares and yes they went into still another basket. This was followed by cutting all the 5 sided center pieces and they were put into a basket. Now I am ready to sew, but I need one more basket so when I use a strip of fabric the smaller pieces are kept together to use later. I am now organized and ready to start the quilt as soon as little ones go home and dinner is over, of course it is now after seven. So am I organized or crazy? Well I started this entire process last Thursday and so far I have 35 of the 60 blocks finished. Not bad considering I don't have a dining room table to work at right now. The point is while I was doing all the "organizing" I stayed out of the kitchen and I moved around a lot more. So put in a little more work and movement and get organized. You don't have to be working on a sewing project either. How about taking the month and each week clean out a closet. I want to do that during the month of April. I will have my quilt top finished by then and will just be saving the money to get it machine quilted.

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

TRACK YOUR CALORIES... Knowing that you have to write down that candy bar, big batch of french fries, second can of soda, or hot fudge sundae if you eat it means you will think twice before chowing down. Look up calories counts of junk foods to help discourage cravings.
This makes perfect sense except if you really want that junk food item you can just not write it down. The point is more important to just think twice then go drink a glass of water remember all the hard work you have been doing so far and just don't eat the junk food. No it is not easy but you will be glad you did. Think first then don't eat.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

DOWNSIZE... Instead of buying-and ultimately eating-an entire pint of ice cream, buy a box of low-calorie frozen treats. They're instantly portion controlled, and you'll feel like you're spoiling yourself.
I know this is about ice cream but think of other ways this will work. Instead of buying packaged lunch meats, buy a turkey breast, bake it and then slice it thinly for your lunches. Instead of buying a big package of your families' favorite cookies buy fruit and vegetable sticks. There are other ways as well. How about crystal light for drinks instead of sodas.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

TRY HEALTHIER RECIPES... When treats and desserts are in the house, more of them can end up in your belly. So keep some low-calorie recipes and foods on hand.
This is just common sense. So many people are wanting to eat healthier today that even food manufactures are going out of their way to help you. There are lots and lots of 100 calorie treats on the market that are pre-packaged. If you are in a rush you can even find in the produce section of your grocery store pre-packaged fruits and vegetables that you grab if you are running late and have a healthy treat or snack. A little preplanning is all you need. Think ahead of your day and plan for treat and snack times.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

MOVE YOUR ALARM CLOCK... Do you hit snooze a few times before getting out of bed? Is the morning workouts a struggle? Place your alarm clock on the other side of the room to break the snooze bar habit.
I don't have this problem. Calvin is my alarm clock and his motto, although he won't admit it has always been if he is awake everyone else should be too. He always says he is sorry to wake me but with as much noise as he makes it is impossible to sleep. I love the morning workout time. I try to have my exercising, scripture reading, blood pressure taken and breakfast over by 9:00 AM at the very latest. I just feel like I can get anything done if I have all the regular routine out of the way. That way too if I get nothing else accomplished during the day I at least did what is most important.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

DOWNSIZE. instead of buying-and ultimately eating-an entire pint of ice cream, buy a box of low-calorie frozen treats. They're instantly portion controlled, and you'll feel like you're spoiling yourself.
This is a really great treat. I have a 110 calorie brownies that I reward myself with every Sunday. If I am feeling like I need a treat during the week then I just have one of them. It is a great reward for myself for doing so good at my exercising and dieting and I don't feel bad about the treat. There are lots of diet frozen treats in your grocery store freezer section. Many of them less than 100 calories each. Check them out.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

MIX UP SOME MILK... If you are craving creamy chocolate treats and nothing else will do, mix up a cup of lowfat milk with some chocolate syrup, then slowly sip. For a bonus you will get a boost of calcium.
This is a good tip, probably because I am fasting and I don't drink milk any more. Well my chocolates are mixed up with water and is a soy base. Milk is good for you in so many ways so just enjoy it cold or hot.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

ENVISION THE CONSEQUENCES...Will this indulgence do to your plan? How far will this set you back? Will you be able to bounce back quickly, or will ti take you weeks of hard work?
These are all questions you should ask yourself BEFORE you eat something you shouldn't. This is a great time for this tip. The weekend lies ahead and for many that is a hard time to stick to your diet. But you can. You will be glad you did as well so just go other the above questions in your mind and be honest with yourself. Is it really worth it?

TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

MAKE TIME FOR TEA... Herbal and flavored teas pack plenty of flavor with a few to no calories. Choose a sweet fruity variety to curb the afternoon munchies. Tea is pack with antioxidants, too.
I never thought about this but this is a good tip and it would count as water too. A nice hot cup of tea would really feel and taste good in the afternoons too since it does not look like we are going to have any spring weather any time soon.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

WING IT...Skip deep-fried wings and cook up boneless chicken breast chunks doused in hot sauce. Make your own blue cheese dressing with low-fat yogurt instead of mayo and add lots of celery for dipping.
I love boneless chicken breast in almost all ways, but I am not a fan of hot sauce. You might try a sugar free orange marmalade, B-B-Q sauce, or even some lemon curd. Remember that these three sauces can be high in calories so use it sparingly.

A GREAT GIVE AWAY

OKAY SISTERS HERE YOU GO... Laurie is having a giveaway on her blog today so check it out and maybe you could be a winner. Several chances to win. A very motivational blog as well.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

DRINK WATER... Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. When you feel an overwhelming urge to snack, drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes. Your hunger pains will most likely recede.
This is a good tip and no matter what diet plan or program you choose will be part of the success. I know I drink my 10 glasses of water unless I am traveling, but I never thought about using water to stop hunger pains. It makes sense and I am going to try it now since I am feeling like I am a little hungry. I still have one more glass of water to drink so this will be the perfect time to drink it. Try this tip yourself and see if it works for you.