Self-Obsession

The reality of the matter is that dieting is not an on/off switch.  It's a long-term lifestyle change.  You're mostly likely to succeed on a nutrition plan when you can stay focused.  This requires a healthy obsession.  The good news is that there are plenty of healthy options to keep you in line.

Keep things in perspective.  Make health, not appearance, your weight management priority.  In reality, looking good is just icing on the cake (no pun intended). It is important to concentrate on taking care of your body.  How does your health and well being affect your family?  One of the first things I ask my clients to do is to make realistic goals.

The second assignment asked of clients is to Count calories, then cut them.  Determine what your total calorie intake is, then cut them.  Experts recommend that you lose no more than a pound or two a week.  If you want to lose 1 pound, substact 500 calories a day.  For example, if you take in 2000 calories/day, decrease to 1500 calories/day.  A reduction of between 500-1000 calories/day could result in weight loss of about 1-2 pounds per week.  Ladies keep your calories above 1200/day.  Below this, you are placing yourself at risk for nutrient deficiencies.  It's difficult to get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals at a low calorie level. With this being said, slow weight loss is important to success in keeping the weight off.

Ladies, here is where Female and Fit comes in...Get and Enlist in Support.  A support system is a critical to long-term weight loss.  It is helpful to share your highs and lows with ladies that can relate and that can be a source of new ideas and strategies to let you know that you are not alone in this process.