Five common sense ways to lose weight

Recently a new study came out, stressing that 42 percent of Americans are obese. That means there are millions of Americans spending billions of dollars on new diets every new day. On the same day this study came out,  I saw an episode of 20/20 that made me cringe. I was so thoroughly grossed out as to what lengths people will go to lose weight. Millions of ideas abound, such as trying one of many numerous weight loss plans, exercise videos, celebrity endorsed weight loss plans, surgery, and now feeding tubes.

Give me a break!!

There are many free, common sense ways you can lose weight. Good old fashioned common sense comes in handy when you need a cheap alternative. Besides, some gorgeous star is not going to come to your house to help you lose weight. It'd be nice to have your dream star do that, but it won't happen, unless you pay Brad Pitt, or Angelina Jolie millions to do so!

I've never, ever paid someone, or some company to help me lose weight. I lost the weight by working hard to get rid of it. Hard work pays off, not throwing your money away making someone else rich. I had two kids, worked full time, stayed home with my kids, and I didn't use any of that as an excuse to gain weight.
Okay, one time when we moved away from home, I became depressed, started eating those oh so yummy Cheetos all day, and did not work out. I was depressed, blamed the world for my problems, and  I gained about twenty pounds.

I discovered there are five common sense ways to lose weight:

1. Eat less food. How can this be any simpler? Also it's a lot cheaper than spending tons of money on weight loss programs, books, videos, weight loss foods. Eat slowly so that the food has time to fill up your stomach making you feel better. It takes your stomach ten minutes to realize it is full---meaning you can still be stuffing food in your mouth, while you are already full.

2. Eat more filling, high fiber foods. Food rich in fiber such as apples, celery, puffed wheat, sugar-free cereals, and even salad containing cut carrots, and small croutons will help keep your stomach full. Create a salad with baked chicken, not fried, to get more protein, and keep your stomach from growling for several hours.

3. Maintaining a regular exercise program will help keep the pounds off. Going for walks, swimming, lifting weights with your arms, will help you lose weight. Lose weight dancing  or simply by moving around your house. Plan a schedule of when you will work out on certain days of the week, and how long each session will last. Thirty minutes of exercise  five times a  day has been stressed as the goal. But many people are working out longer for six days a week. Figure out which plan works best for you. I alternate by walking  outside or riding my indoor exercise bike five days a week.

4.  Another common sense way to lose weight is to not snack at night. Do not stuff those yummy Oreos, Cheetos, or other junk food into your mouth at night. It is so unhealthy! What happens to the food you eat at night before going to bed? It digests slowly, and you have no way of burning off those fattening calories. That's one reason why so many people end up with major weight gain in their midsections. If you feel hungry at night while watching TV, eat something healthy like sugar-free cereal, or a piece of fruit. Switch it up. You might just be snacking due to boredom.

5. Engage in physical activity.Turn off the TV and go outside. Go for a walk. Plant flowers. Take your dog or cat for a walk. While watching TV, or listening to the radio-engage in an activity. Lift small weights while watching TV. I watch TV and ride my bike , and or lift weights at the same time. My neighbor walks while lifting small weights. Wear wrist weights while walking.

Make up your mind that you are going to lose weight the common sense way. Set an attainable weight loss goal. Then create a plan of how much weight you will lose each week. Watch your calories. Eat natural, healthy , unprocessed foods. Eat low fat, low salt foods. Read the labels. I could go on and on. What it comes down to is using your common sense, and the ideals you have learned, or get a book and teach yourself what the best and healthiest foods are for you to eat to lose weight.Copyright 2012(c), written by professional author Kate Johns.

How exercise can improve self esteem

Did you know that exercising regularly will improve your self esteem? After exercising for the first couple of times, you will of course feel tired, and hungry. When you get into a regular exercise routine, you will most probably notice something happening. You will be getting into great shape physically, mentally and emotionally. You will start feeling healthy, stronger, and possibly even younger.

Exercise improves not only your body shape, helps you to lose weight, but exercise builds self esteem. Maybe that's why those athletes in high school were so popular? Why does exercise improve self esteem?

START LOOKING BETTER, BABY!!

After exercising for a long period of time, you will notice something, you will look better. Your self esteem will shoot into the stratosphere. You will be losing weight,and you will be gaining muscle. Due to losing weight, and looking better, your self esteem gets higher.You will want to buy new clothing, eat healthier foods and show off your new body.You may even feel like strutting your stuff instead of staying home eating fattening foods while watching TV. It just goes to say that when you look good you feel good.

START FEELING BETTER, BABY!!

Another reason why exercise can improve your self esteem is you will feel better about yourself. Not only will you be losing weight, firming and toning your body, but you will be improving your mental outlook.Your emotional and mental outlook on life will improve just by working out! These are more reasons to work out.You will feel mentally happier and you will feel physically better about your body. You may even feel so healthy that you become healthier. What exactly does that mean? You will be physically building up your body, improving your resistance to sickness, illness, disease, and those nasty germs sailing around at work, school, even in your very own home.

FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG

Exercise also improves self esteem because you feel like you are a part of something.When an avid exerciser works out in a group situation, such as working out in a yoga class,a person can make new friends.When kids exercise in a group such as playing on a sports team this builds confidence, because the kids are participating in an activity. The kids are learning new skills and they are building skills they can use in any situation, and will use later on in competitive jobs. Adults will gain more self esteem by being part of group, making new friends, and possibly making new business contacts. Kids and adults learn how to work together, becoming part of a team. Teamwork is an important aspect in just about every job.

Exercise can improve self esteem because you will be sending positive hormones sailing through your body. You will feel more in control of your life, because you are taking positive action.Self esteem is the cornerstone to a wonderful life. Just think you will be standing up straighter and feeling better while building your self esteem. Another reason to do that work out today! Copyright 2012, (c).