Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!

Dear Laura:

I have tried so many diets but end up going off of them because I miss my favorite foods. I don't know why I just can't stick to a program. Do you have any advice? I really want to lose the baby weight I gained during my last pregnancy. But that was three years ago and I am still thirty pounds overweight.

Signed,

Fran in Little Rock, Arkansas

Dear Fran,

Over the years, I have helped so many people get their health and their eating on track. The one commonality I have found between many of them is their unwillingness to let go of foods, beverages, candy, gum and even condiments that they "love." When you want to lose weight, get healthier, live longer and get more fit, you have to go through a process of what I like to call "Letting go to lose!"

You need to step into the space of being uncomfortable. For example, when you don't have that "thing" you normally have during your morning routine, like that special double espresso latte with two extra shots of caramel or your stop to pick up a sausage kolache. Or how about at work? Friday is always free pizza day, compliments of your boss. How could you pass that up? What would your boss think?

Getting healthy, especially when you decide you want to lose a few pounds means you have to "Let Go" of the items you love. Oh, and newsflash: In spite of what many say, a calorie is NOT a calorie. If you think that you are going to lose weight by counting your calories so you can still have your morning glazed donut or two, you are simply living in dreamland. (Did I hear a "No wonder?!"). It is essential that you consume a diet that includes lean protein sources, complex grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and plenty of water.

In order to be successful, you need to be willing to let go. It takes willpower. It takes making a heart-felt decision to let go of your favorite things. When you say no to the things you should not be eating or drinking in order to lose weight, it is actually an act of self love. That YOU care about YOU.

Here are 5 Things to Let Go of to Lose Weight:

• Trade in your fancy coffee beverage with sweetened elixirs for a cup of black coffee instead. Add a splash of nonfat milk and a few drops of Stevia or Agave Nectar which has 60 calories per tablespoon. Agave nectar tastes yummy yet has zero glycemic impact -- a plus when you are trying to lose weight. Be prepared to be uncomfortable the first time you do it. It will take about 21 days to get comfy with your new hot beverage concoction since it takes that long to break a habit.
• Do you love your frosted cereal for breakfast? Guess what? Sugar. Give it up. Let it go and replace with real oatmeal. Sweeten with a bit of Agave. Then, bump up your protein with a hard-boiled egg or two.
• Give up your soft drinks. Let them go. Set them free. Set yourself free. Drink water instead. Did you know those who consume sugar-free soft drinks have a harder time losing weight versus their water drinking counterparts? Have a glass of water with a few slices of lemon or lime. Add a splash of pure cranberry juice (no sugar) and sweeten with a few drops of stevia. Prepare yourself the next time you are in a situation where you normally order or buy a diet soda. Decide beforehand: "I will have water." And just do it.
• Let go of fried foods. I know. Fat. Yum. I must admit, I like an occasional fried chicken since I live in the Southern part of the U.S. However, I won't eat fried foods on a regular basis. They are simply not good for me ... or you. If someone wants to lose weight, they need to make fried foods off limits. Substitute grilled. Ignore that voice in your head that yells out "But I want it!" Focus upon the fact that you have already achieved your goal. This type of focusing helps many to stay motivated.
• Let go of the sofa. Get active. Stop laying around. If you flop down on the sofa everyday around 7:00 pm, plan another activity instead. Take a brisk walk. Go to the gym. Do something different that involves activity.
  

Fran, you are going to have to make a decision in your heart that you really and truly desire to lose weight. And let go of those things that you love to eat or drink so you can attain your goal. I promise you. It works!

Good luck and keep me posted!

Healthfully Yours,

Laura Lewis, Life Fit Expert, Thatsfit.com