I know that “Eating To Lose Weight” sounds like an oxy moron statement. It’s true…we do need to eat to lose weight. The key is eating healthy along with portion control. I just finished eating a bowl of Curves cereal. It was a sample box I got in the mail. It’s actually similar to bran flakes. I love the fact it was one serving.

I know many people think they can’t lose weight if they eat breakfast. I think it is because they are not able to figure out exactly how to make a single portion. Thus, when they think they are eating a 200 calories meal, in actuality is 400 calories.

I bought a double unit Zevro dispenser. I have one side filled with oatmeal and the other with cereal. All you have to do is turn the handle once and you get a one ounce serving. Using this dispenser is cheaper in the long run than buying the single packets of cereal. There are always a couple in the variety pack I don’t like so buying that is a real waste of money for me.
I bought my dual Zevro dispenser on Ebay for $17.00 plus postage. I checked Ebay today and there are several single and double units for sale at a reasonable price. This dual unit sells for $169.00 on the Zevro website. I also checked on Amazon.com and they have Zevro dispensers available at prices starting as low as $16.95 for a single unit.

Zevro is a product that helping me on my weight loss journey. Anyone else using this product? How do you like it?

Original post by Chris

For me, losing weight is one of the hardest things to accomplish. I know….I’ve lost over 100 pounds three times in my life. I’ve asked myself over and over, how could you let yourself gain all that weight back AGAIN. I’ve rationalized all kinds of reasons, and made all kinds of excuses for myself. The bottom line, I made poor choices and consumed more calories than I burned.

In recent years, I’ve been what I call a yoyo dieter. I lose some weight and then gain some back. Having lost my girlfriend last month at the age of 59, I’ve decided I need to get back into a serious weight loss mode. I remember how her kids use to call her for advice or encouragement. I want to be around for my kids.

Today, I am renewing my effort at this weight loss journey. I’ve started my day with a bottle of water and a cup of coffee. I’m not hungry right now but plan on having a bowl of oatmeal when I do decide to eat.

Last year I bought a really nice treadmill. I haven’t figured out all the programs on it. I really only want to know how far I’ve gone, the speed, amount of calories I’ve burned, and the amount of time I’ve been on it. I also like the fact I can adjust the incline.

Each time I’ve lost weight, I’ve done it through good food choices and exercise. I know I can reach my weight loss goal again.

I’m off to take a walk on my treadmill. My short term goal is: lose 2 pounds this week.

Original post by Chris

If you are between the ages of 18 and 64, you may be interesting in participating in a nutrition and diet study conducted by the University of Virginia. The study will be comparing two different diets. Each phase lasts for 4 weeks with a 4-8 week break. All food is provided for the 4 week diet and compensation is $300.

This study also provides the participant with other pertinent information such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood fats.

Centerwatch is a great place to find other diet and nutrition studies that are being done in other states. It also covers studies being administered in many other fields.

There are several other sites which provide information on clinical studies. I have them listed in a previous post.

Original post by Chris

When we fix meals it’s often hard to figure out the calories, carbs, or proteins in a serving. This can play havoc on any weight loss program you are following.

Like most women, I have more cookbooks than I care to count. Most of them never leave the bookcase. I have found it is much easier to look up a recipe online. So whether I’m looking for a low calorie, low carb or high protein recipe…it’s easy to find.

I enjoy the Betty Crocker recipe site. It is a computer friendly site making it easy to find recipes for a specific item or requirement such as low fat or low calorie. The recipes directions are easy to follow and use basic ingredients. You can rate each recipe as well as read and give a review. Each has a picture of what the finished product should look like.

How about a Chinese Pork and Pasta recipe? The recipe is for a serving of 6 with a calorie content of 255 per serving.

Another appetizing recipe is Skillet Beef & Vegetable Stew. It is a recipe for 6 servings and only takes 25 minutes to make. It has a surprisingly low calorie content of 175 per serving.

These are just a few of the low calorie recipes at the Betty Crocker site. No matter what kind of weight loss program or diet you are on, you will find something at this site that can fit your needs.

Original post by Chris

There are numerous ways by which people can lose weight. There are weight loss programs, various diets, pills, drinks, and many exercise programs that claim to be successful. When you reseach any of these programs, you will always find testimonials from people who claim to have had success. Reviewing aa the successful weight loss results makes it difficult to decide which one fits your needs and life style and will be successful for you.

According to WebMD, it has been scientifically proven: The key isn’t just what you eat, it’s what you write. I mention quite frequently, the importance of documenting what you eat and drink everyday. A food journal is the key to success on any weight loss program you chose.

Through the study, it has been noted the less you document in your food journal, the less weight you will lose.

The bottom line is, once you have chosen a weight loss program, start your food diary and faithfully and honestly track your food intake. This is one reason Weight Watchers Program is a successful diet program, it asks participants to track what they eat.

I also suggest writing it down before you eat. It will make you think twice. Perhaps you will decide you don’t need that ice cream bar and eat some jello instead.

Original post by Chris

It’s always great to get tips and strategies that are successful in a weight loss program. I like to read about studies that have been done and the results. Although I think some studies are too narrow and some too biased, it gives me a base to which I can do my own evaluation.

Self Magazine had some it’s readers try the most popular statagies. Here are the results from a three week study.

1.Skip All Soda
Pounds Lost…… 1 to 8 (average 4)
Soda contains zero nutrients. Water is the best alternative as it aids in
digestion.

2. Eat Breakfast, even if you’re not hungry
Pounds Lost…… 3 to 8 (average 5)
You’ll teach your body to adjust to A.M. calories, so you’ll need fewer
later in the day. *250-500 calorie per morning

3. Banish Trigger Foods From Your Home
Pounds Lost…… 1 to 10 (average 6)
If you keep treats in the house, opt for the single-serve portions many
are only 100 calories.

4. Swap in Lowfat, Fat-free Or Sugar-free Versions Of Foods You Crave
Pounds Lost…… 0 to 1 (average 1)
Using this strategy, you can eat what you love without excess calories.
Read your labels…low fat doesn’t mean low calorie.

5. Use Smaller Plates And Glasses
Pounds Lost…… 0 to 3 (average 1)
We eat on the average, 92% of food we put on our plate. This is a way
of tricking yourself into eating less.

6. Dine Out Less Often
Pounds Lost…… 2 to 11 (average 6)
Resturant meals usually have about 50% more calories, fat and sodium
than home cooked meals.

7. Rate Your Hunger Before Deciding To Eat
Pounds Lost…… 0 to 4 (average 1)
Regularly checking your need for food will help you comtrol how much you
end up eating.

8. Start Your Meal With Soup, Salad or Fruit
Pounds Lost…… 1 to 2 (average 1.5)
Keep your first course high in volume and around 100 calories and you’ll
shrink your total daily intake.

9. Eat Your Meals With No Distractions
Pounds Lost…… 0 to 5 (average 3)
When you get distracted, you mindlessly consume extra calories.
Eat slowly, concentrate on your food’s taste and texture.
By changing the way you eat, you may change how much you eat.

You can read the comments of the people who tested these tips here.

Original post by Chris

It’s that time of the year again. Time to file our 2007 Federal Income Tax. Treament for conditions such as obesity, hypertension, and heart disease are eligible deductions on your federal tax form as long as certain conditions are met.

Fees you pay for membership in a weight loss reduction group and attendance at peridioc meetings meet the criteria.

You cannot include membership dues in a gym, health club, or spa as medical expenses. On the other hand, you can include sepaerate fees charged at these places for weight loss activities.

In order to claim any of these items on your federal income tax form, you must file the itemized form. To get a better understanding of all items that meet the criteria, check IRS Publication 502. It also covers most frequently asked questions.

There are a couple of other sites that have some good examples of programs that are eligible. I’ve covered them in this post.

Original post by Chris

I met Debbie 30 years ago at college. It was my first day of my first class. I was a bit nervous as I was 28 years old and hadn’t studied in so many years. I saw an empty seat next to a woman that looked to be close to my age in the back row and headed right for it.

That day was the beginning of a lasting friendship. It was also her first day of class and her first class as well. We figured it must have been God’s Will for us to meet. Although we had never met, she was from my home town. I recognized her last name and had a vague memory of one of her sisters.

I still remember when we graduated Junior College. We were assembled in the cafeteria as a group before going to the auditorium for the ceremony. As we were waiting, my name was called. My heart dropped. I figured I must have flunked my final in Geometry and wouldn’t be graduating. To my surprise, I was handed an envelope with a gold tassle. Wow, I was graduating with High Honors. I knew then, Debbie’s name was going to be called too. Yep, she also got a gold tassle for her efforts. We were so proud of ourselves that night.

We transfered to a University and continued our studies for another four years, graduating with a Masters Degree. After graduation, we didn’t see much of each other. Our jobs lead us in different directions.

I ran into Debbie about 4 years ago at the grocery store near my mom’s house. It had been over 10 years since we had seen each other. I told her I had just moved back to town and gave her my address.

It was great having a Christian friend back in my life. I’ll always remember the Bible studies and prayer meetings we had.

Debbie spent most of her life helping the poor and homeless. She’d teach God’s Word while trying to find people a home, a job, and get them clothing. She never had much money or possessions but still shared with others.

I moved down south little over a year ago. She called about 6 months ago and planned to come visit. Money was always tight so she wasn’t sure when she was going to make it.

I have the newspaper sent down here. Although I have no intentions of ever moving back there, I still like to keep up on the hometown news.

I was so shocked last week when I read the obituraries….my girlfriend. Debbie, had died!! She was only 59 years old. I had sent her a Christmas card but hadn’t got a response. I hadn’t really thought much about it. I figured she probably didn’t have money for cards or stamps. Something was telling me I ought to give her a call. I kept telling myself….I’ll call her some other time.

I was equally surprised to read she died on my birthday. I’m still feeling so bad. I wish someone would have called me when she got sick….I wish I would have called when that little voice told me to phone her.

Debbie is going to be missed by many.

Original post by Chris

Whether you are trying to lose weight or find that perfect dress….the service you receive from the employee is never the same. Some people are good at their job while others are only there to collect their paycheck. They don’t care about the service they render.

I have had over 60 comments left on the LA Weight Loss Closing post I made. Many are from irate customers. There are also many comments from LA Weight Loss counselors who really cared about their customers.

Check out the comments here. Many of the counselors left instructions on how to continue with the program. There are also counselors still willing to help clients on their own.

Don’t give up on your weight loss program because La Weight Loss Centers closed. Continue the commitment you have made to yourself and you will continue to lose weight. Watch the scale go down as you climb the ladder of weight loss success.

Original post by Chris

It is human nature to look for the easiest way to accomplish a task. This is evident when you look at all the weight loss products and gadgets that are on the market today.

I was visiting Funny Jack’s weight loss blog. He has a sure fire recipe for losing 2 pounds a week. It brought a smile to my face as I read it. Stop by and check it out. I think you will have to agree, it’s a GREAT diet recipe for anyone trying to lose weight.

Original post by Chris