How I Stay at a Constant Weight ~ My Secret

I am 50 years old and still wear the same size clothing I've always worn ~ size 4. My weight can fluctuate 2 to 5 pounds, but really never more than that. Do I have a secret?

Yes, as a matter of fact I do. It has taken me years to fine tune it and to be positive that it really works. It doesn't require a degree in nutrition, although knowing the basics of good nutrition certainly doesn't hurt. It doesn't require eating or not eating certain foods or a combination of foods. It doesn't require hours at the gym or complicated exercise routines that are joyless and boring.

MY SECRET ~ Eat, but eat a little less. Exercise, but don't over do it.

What is required? First, if you are overweight admit it to yourself and a close friend and if you feel you need one, then get a physical from your doctor. Then commit to yourself that you want to be healthy. Ready? Let's go on.

Well the most important thing is to pay attention to what you eat and the second is to write it down. Yup, that's it. There are quite a few good websites on the internet that help you track your food intake and my favorite is Calorie Count.

Logging your daily food intake keeps you accountable and realistic about what and how much you eat. There is a handy "Analysis" tool that shows you the breakdown of your protein, carbohydrate and fat intake, but also lets you see how much "entertainment" food, like sugars and alcohol, you are eating. It is a real wake up call to see how many calories certain foods have and how the portion size affects your body size. Eating too much makes you gain weight and eating too little and make it almost impossible for your body to lose weight. Remember you need to eat to lose weight, eat good food. Fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans, lean meats, a fabulous olive oil and fresh herbs are the mainstays of my diet. There is always room for a treat, I just figure it into my daily allotment.

Exercise is also necessary for your body to be at a healthy weight and fit as well. This is the body you have, you are not getting another one in this lifetime, so feed it well, move it around and it will be happy and reward you with toned muscles, stamina, flexibility and a more enjoyable life experience. Start with walking, add some stretches and then weights. I personally prefer Yoga and Pilates, but that is just my preference. Any kind of exercise that you enjoy and actually do 4 to 5 days a week is good. Continuity is the key.

Then, and this is really important, allow yourself to slip up. That is life. Slips occur. Chocolate fudge cake with homemade vanilla ice cream happens. Just get yourself right back on your program without judging yourself. Have a favorite treat? Great! Allow yourself to eat it. Plan to eat it. Eat it with gusto and no guilt. Just log the calories of the portion you planned to eat. You're back on track!