Redbook features in their March 2008 issue a woman named
Betsey Goering who found a way to drop 32 pounds after discovering her clothing was growing in size. Bad lifestyle choices were the culprit -- after getting married a few years ago, her workouts waned, takeout food became customary, and plopping on the couch after work was commonplace. Something had to change. Well, not "some" thing. More like several things. So Betsey changed. Here's what she did.
- Betsey joined Weight Watchers. Weekly weigh-ins were great for her competitive personality. Competing against herself was the hardest she'd ever worked, she says. Participating in the program with a co-worker helped too. The pair checked on each other's progress, discussed healthy food choices, and cheered on one another.
- Betsey stopped eating fast food. She began cooking more at home, and vegetables made their way into her diet.
- When healthier eating resulted in a more energetic Betsey, the school teacher began walking 30 to 60 minutes three times a week. Then she started running. Now she runs half marathons and logs 30 to 40 miles per week. She takes off one day each week for rest.
A size 12 when her healthy living awakening began, Betsey now wears a size two and offers these slimming secrets for anyone wishing to whittle away at a growing waistline.
- Read food labels. Look for high-fiber foods that will slowly digest and keep you feeling fuller longer.
- Write down everything you eat. Nothing stops Betsey from overeating more than looking at a list of everything she put in her mouth over the course of a day.
- Set small weight loss and exercise goals. When she first started jogging, Betsey increased her time in 10-minute increments.
- Don't cut out all high-fat, high-calorie foods. If you deny yourself for too long, cravings will only strengthen. Indulge now and then -- just keep portions small and sacrifice in other areas to compensate for calories.
- Eat fruits and veggies first. Betsey buys fresh produce instead of canned or frozen when she can, and she treats meats and starches as side dishes. This helps her eat fewer calories while remaining satisfied.
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