Get psyched! 5 Tips To Find Your Get-Fit Motivation

It can be hard to keep up the weight-loss motivation. We've got five easy tips so that you can believe  in you all the way to your weight-loss goal.

Want to shed excess fat once and for all? Instead of living on diet products, try changing the way you think. Research shows that many people who lose weight end up regaining it; but to understand how those who beat the odds do it, scientists have started to explore the mind-sets of so-called "successful losers." While the National Weight Control Registry reports that eating right and exercising are paramount to
lasting weight loss, a recent study, published in the International Journal of Obesity, zeroed in on the critical role of psychological factors. Lead researcher Jane Ogden, Ph.D., looked at 44 men and women who maintained a significant weight loss for a minimum of three years, and says, "According to my research, people who successfully lose weight strongly believe that weight loss is possible. They also recognize that psychological factors such as attitude toward food are crucial to their success."


"For many people, 'mind' is the missing piece of the puzzle," agrees Pamela Peeke, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of medicine  at the University of Maryland. "That's why scientists are now asking us  to look at the psychological land mines that are keeping us from getting healthy and fit." So, before you head to Spinning class or start slashing calories, you must get your head in the fat-loss game. Here are seven research-based, tried-and-true tips for doing so:

Believe you can succeed.
In Ogden's study, people who lost weight and kept it off actually visualized -- and realized they could accomplish -- their fat-loss goals. "If you're going to lose weight, you have to believe that you can make it happen," Ogden says.

Be realistic.
Many women set near-impossible goals, which can set them up for failure and disappointment, reports Leslie Womble, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine who recently presented
her study to the North American Association for the Study of Obesity. So set your sights on an attainable amount of weight and a sensible time frame. (One to 2 pounds per week, max!)

Focus on tangible results.
Think about the immediate psychological and physical benefits of getting in better shape. "In my study, short-term goals such as feeling more confident, boosting energy or eating more healthfully were more effective than long-term, less specific goals," Ogden says.

Avoid all-or-nothing thinking.
Clinical research has shown that a feeling of deprivation can impede progress when trying to lose weight. "If you eat a piece of cake, don't think, 'I blew it,' " Womble says. "Realize, 'I can have a piece of cake once in a while. I just need to exercise a little more or cut back at dinner.' "

Plan for land mines.
In her work, Womble has found that people who successfully lose weight tend to soothe temptations or frustrations by finding alternate ways to cope with them. For instance, they call a friend or take a walk instead
of eating.     

Good Morning!!!

i thought this was an appropriate article - seems like we are at that summer "lull" and we can all use a bit of motivation, right?

Debi - how frustrating on the creme, did you hear from the doctor? You do so much to stay in shape, this stinks!!! ((((hugs))))

Candy - hope the surgery goes well for you at the dentist. Not a fun thing to have on the schedule!

Kris - I know you'll have fun with your sis in KC!!  How fun you & your mom can just hop in the plane :-) It's nice that ya'll are getting that time together ((((hugs)))

Natasha - don't know if this will make a difference, but I don't weigh myself often, maybe every 10-14 days. After I exercise, my weight goes up too. I read somewhere it has to do with the muscles & joints swelling, and it can take a few days to "relax".

Jill - bummer about riley this fall, but I know you will enjoy having some freedom again :-)

Dusta - whew on mel. Glad the nurse had an idea about what was going on with him. How is he doing? How is lulu now that he's home?

Muril - hope you had a great time at your mom's!!

Rebecca - isn't it crazy how expensive things are? I remember going to the Brewer games, sitting in the bleecher seats for $5 a ticket LOL!!!

Hi sherry - have you been able to get out in the pool? My sister is moving from phoenix next week - my bil was relocated to nevada. My DSis said this house in NV *will* have a pool LOL!!!

Good Morning everyone!!!!! I'm sure I missed someone, my apologies!

We're going to head out for groceries, and I need to run into WM and the pet store. Going to be beautiful here today - only 78 and low humidity. Woohoo!!!!

hope ya'll have a great day (((((hugs))))

dawn

Dawn, I swim most days except when I am working. I didn't swim yesterday because wasn't feeling well and not sure my tummy was up to it. But I usually swim about 99% of the days I am not working. Has been incredibly hot out there. Have been running aerator at night for several weeks so it has stayed nice and cool but June is our hottest/driest month. It will get to where I have to swim about 6 or 7 when it cools down a bit.

Good reminder, Dawn.

I have discovered that I like that butter bean and tomato salad, but it does not like me. Both times the day after I ate it ended up with big GI issues. Not sure if it is the raw squash, the spices, or what :-(. Some things I have trouble digesting after having had the gall bladder removal.

Candy, your dentist stuff sounds awful. Bless your heart.

Working today and tomorrow so will be scarce. 

Good morning.

Good post Dawn, thanks. While trying to lose I don't do big goals or say I want to lose a certain amount by a time. Well I know I would like to lose 15 pounds a month, but that will not happen and I know it.  Lulu was happy to see Mel and licked at him, but she still won't come to him unless he is giving her food.  She lost some weight while he was gone and now she is going to put it back on. I wish I could get him to quit feeding her so much and giving her pepsi. But I can't.

A pt came by yesterday and is going to start coming 2 days a week. He would probably come 3 but Mel has dr's appointments. I still don't know why while in hospital they took him off his heart med.

No plans today, except doing laundry, fun, washing my sheets.

morning Sherry

hugs

Sorry Ive been scarce in the evenings. Just been busy.

Today is the 20 mile opening bike ride! So were up early, getting ready for that. Im having a healthy breakfast of oatmeal with blueberries and brown sugar and a cup of coffee.

We will have lunch and snacks on the trail (riding from 9am to 3pm) so will have the lil pb bites I made, I will have a pb &j sandwich and sean will have a cheese sandwich. I have some dried coconut from hawaii that we brought back with us, and graham crackers. So that should get us the energy we need to get through the ride :)

I hope today is fabulous!

Last night we didnt follow plans because we had to make a trip to REI. Sean needed a fender for his back tire because its supposed to rain today, and a new tail light, his was broke. So, we did that. I got a new pair of Keens while we were there. I LOVE them! So much more comfy than my other ones, and super light. 100% water proof.

Dawn, thank you for getting us started this week! Does your sister *not* have a pool in Phoenix? I would hafta have a pool if I lived somewhere like that :) Enjoy your weather today!

Debi, geesh, what a mess with that cream youre using. I hope things get better soon!

Sherry, enjoy your swimming!

Dusta, can you just put your foot down with Mel? He is absolutely not to feed Lulu. He should respect that. Enjoy your laundry!

Alrighty, Im off. Tonights dinner will be the grilled chicken sandwiches, since we didnt have em last night.

I really need to make a spinach pizza soon because my spinach plant is growing like crazy!

brilliant topic dawn, thank you!

all this pool talk makes me jealous, when we stayed with friends in AZ we literally spent the entire day in the pool, going inside only to fetch food, drinks and visit the bathroom.  The kids even napped everyday, that's how much we were in the water.  LOVE it.  I had a friend in MN whose family had an INDOOR pool ... it was so amazing, it was off of their basement area and in the summer it had a retractable roof - can you imagine how much something like that cost??????????  should have hung out with her more!  hahahah

we are on a mission today, going thru clothes, going thru stacks of paper, omw there is too much junk in this house ... the Girl Scouts are having a yard sale in July so I'm making a box ... giving away Katie's entire wardrobe pretty much since she's grown out of every flipping thing!  good thing it's summer cuz NONE of her jeans or pants fit ... painful.

everyone is working and I am the slave driver!  bwaaaahaaaahaaaa  Katie just announced she needs a break!  HAHAHAHAH  NOT!

Okay, off I go with my whip and bull horn!  YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Hello Healthy Beauties!

I am back! I had a wonderful time at Mom's- too short though. :)

I posted a pic of us coral girls on FB. LOL

Dawn, wonderful article- love it- thanks for getting us all rocking this weekend. I owe you an email will try to get it back to you this weekend.

We had great weather the first day and yesterday some storms, but Phyllis and I still managed to walk up to the top of the mountain- I even got some pics of the horses. I did great- didn't get too winded and my calves got just a little sore yesterday evening- which was understandable- considering- it's very steep going up.

Thursday, we cleaned- then went to V&V's for supper- then on to visit some of the family Mom wanted to visit. Last night- we took Mom to visit her sister Gladys. There was tornado warnings yesterday but thankfully, not a lot of storming and it had cleared by evening- Phyllis and I walked to the mountain in between storms. :)

Waves and hugs- will catch up later on! Love and Hugs to everyone!

Dawn - Perfect reminders!  Thank you for getting us started!

Quick check in.

Yesterday the clouds came in to quick so DM didn't get to fly.  Instead I swept the museum, dusted off 6 vehicles, and aired all the tires on 7 vehicles, 5 spares, and 2 sets of bikes.  The cars were parked along side the building so for half of the tires I had to crawl on the floor &/or under the cars to air the tires.  I was filthy.  I jokingly asked if I could have a raise, but it didn't go over very well.  After a shower and lunch I took a short nap. 

Julie came by at 3 pm and she wanted to go to a casino.  I've decided I'm not a gambler!!!  Luckily I won $47 on the first slot machine!  That's the money I played with all night so I broke even.  I just couldn't part with my own money.  We played blackjack and slots.  I was up $20 on BJ and thought about pocketing and walking away, but I promised Julie I would play so I let it slide.  She spent all that she had budgeted.  She laughed that I broke even and she had fun with her money.  I know I won't do that to often.  Not my atmosphere, to smokey, and I cannot let go of my money that way.  We got home around 11 pm.

I slept in until 9 pm.  This morning was beautiful!  DM went flying  while DF and I swept out the hanger.  When she returned we all cleaned an airplane.  We decided that was enough for today and will save the other plane until tomorrow.  I think I will take a short nap.

I'll check up with everyone later.  Waving Hello!

To inspire us to exercise more or keep on the healthy path!  This cracked me up!

Silly old man decided he was going to see if he could get the pump going to water the plants. After about 30 minutes came in and decided he shouldn't be doing that until he gets a lot better. No brainer. Hasn't been home for a week and gets out in the heat and humidity. SOM

Muril glad you had a nice visit with your Mom. Guess she didn't come back with you, but didn't think she would. Sorry.

Good night

Hello Friends!

Happy Sunday to you! Wish I was off today. I badly need a day to just relax and do nothing aside from cleaning up a bit.

Rebecca, I think if I had a pool at home (like when you were on vacation that time) I would be in there all day too! Wow, an indoor pool? Even better! Love the picture :P Haha

Muril, glad youre back, wish you could have spent longer though! Nice job on the hike girl!

Kris, I enjoy the occassional visit to the casino. Only play slots and never spend more than 20.00. You did great breaking even!

Dusta, tell that man to stay in the house! For goodness sake.

Quiet in here. I know everyones busy with life. Hope all of you girls are doing well though.

Breakfast - Egg and sausage sandwich, coffee
Lunch - Taco Salad
Dinner - Grilled chicken sandwiches

Good Sunday morning girls,

Dawn - thanks for starting us up this week.
Good subject and info -
I am one to be the "all or nothing" way of thinking. I'll have to work on that . LOL
It wasn't the cream after all - - - I have kept using it - but have cut out all supplements and food that I know I'm allergic or (sensitive) to - - - going to try to weed out the culprit.
It's a pain - but I have already lost 3 lbs in 1 1/2 days of doing this - - - I was swollen. Yuck !
Even my lips felt huge. hahaha I don't think they looked it - just felt it.
Anyway - trudging through weeding out this and that - - - makes me have to cook more though.
Food gets boring this way - - - but I feel so much better, it might be worth it.

All this talk about pools - - wish we had one.
We have actually been pricing in-grounds - and above grounds.
A friend of our just got a pretty big above ground - but it is sort of inset in-ground with a deck all along one side of it. It's really done up pretty - and they are going to plant bushes or flower bushes on the side that is not in the ground - opposite the deck.
Anyway - gave me a whole new outlook on above grounds - - -
and with dh being a builder - he could get creative with a deck. Also talking about a little bath house and bathroom out by our patio when the pool goes in or up.
I have to be able to swim in it - not just sit - - - so it's got to be long enough for that
Can't wait ! He wants it more than me - so we will get it sooner. LOL (men..............)

Dusta - tell that Mel to keep himself in the house until he heals better. Tell him "don't make all us Healthy Living Girls have to come over there and make him be still" ;)
Is he using a walker?

Rebecca - love the inspirational picture. haha
I'm gonna pull out the ol' jump rope.

Natasha - how did the bike ride go? Sounds fun!

Muril - How was your Mom - your 'coral' picture is so sweet. I'm guessing she didn't come home with you.
:( Oh well - she probably likes being in her own home. I do.

We are gonna do some grilling today - I get turkey patties - dh gets beef. (Beef is one of the things I'm suppose to stay away from - unless it's grass fed - - - and the doc told me only to eat it once a week if I just had to. ) We don't have anymore Grass fed beef or deer - - - so I'm o.k. with turkey patties.
Probably gonna sit in my dogs little swimming pool for a while - - haha - - - she won't, so I might as well. (redneckthatIam..................)

You girls have a great Sunday - hope the weather is as pretty where you are as it is here.
((((Hugs)))) to you all !

Debi, I forgot to mebtion my bike ride! LOL Enjoy sitting in your doggies pool! LOL! Glad you enjoy your turkey patties. I make turkey burgers with Jills recipe and I love em!

The ride went really well. It rained while we waited for the ride to start... and then the clouds parted and... well, the sun came out. I wasnt prepared for that, and ended up getting sunburned on my arms and hands. Poo.

The ride was beautiful and great, wouldnt mind doing it again! It connects 3 trails and 3 cities. However, there is some riding along the road which I dont really like, but oh well. Sometimes bike lanes, sometimes not. I made it up one of the big hills, but then there was immediately another one that was huge and super long and I had to push my bike up that. Oh well, I tried. It was 20 miles total, and I loved it. My bum was sore before the ride ended. Not just sore like usual, worse ever. It might be TMI, but I could actually see/feel the swollen hard outline of my seat on myself after we got home. Im still sore today, but not in nearly as much pain.Unsure if Ill do my walk tonight or not though.... Maybe just one mile.

Throughout the ride, Sean mentioned a couple times how well I was doing and how proud he was of me. made it better :)

Hi Sweet Ladies!

Happy Sunday! I went to church - we had a lovely service- steppin' out sang Alpha Omega(finally,lol)....plus I sang with the worship team so had to be there by 8:30 to practice first. Then we went by Kroger for  bananas and milk. After I got home and had lunch- I actually had a wonderful nap- was exausted. I think the trip and getting up early finally caught up with me.  Most nights, it's the norm for me to wake up about 3 or 4 and then finally get back to sleep- it just caught up with me this afternoon. :)

Dusta, tell Mel to stop trying to be superman and get all strong again! He is trying to worry us girls! :) Sounds like he is Lulu's junk food man- she probably loves that though- I know it aggravates you though. You work to get her all healthy- he comes home and starts again. I asked Mom several times to come back with us- she thought about it and said 'No' every time! LOL My sister in law is getting dialysis now so it would be great if she would come up with us. :(

Debi, hope you find what has caused you to gain fluid- that sounds awful. Maybe that is what was going on before when you said you were gaining fluid. It has to be something you started doing recently or just before it started happening.  We need to journal when we start different supplements and such and that would be helpful.

Natasha, that is great that Sean encourages you when you exercise. That tells me that he cares about your health and I am sure he will support you in your food choices too- he may not always be a happy camper if he wants something super rich and you aren't eating it- but hey, he'll get over it! :) I am so proud of you- I can tell that you are determined to get healthy and you know that it will take some changes- keep up the good work! Sorry about your sore bottom. Kinda timely- we have been talking about our butts and the padding lately, remember? Seriously, hope it feels better soon- been there, done that once on a stationary bike- actually did it more than once.

Sherry, it would be nice to have a pool. I can see where you really need on in your weather conditions! Enjloy! How is our scrapbooking coming along?

Rebecca, you crack me up talking about your friend with the pool- call her an reconnect girl! I bet your kiddos do love the pool- they are at a great age for that.

Kris, your Mom flies by herself(that is so NEAT!) - Miss Nancy did a solo flight once(she told me about the experience)- thought it was priceless. She said she was up in the air and she said "God, I can't believe that I am up here by myself." or something of the sort. I miss her stories. Her DH was a flight instructor- it was important for his wife to learn to fly solo- just in case something happened to him. :) You are so productive- keep up the good work! I don't blame you for not wanting to gamble- it's not my cup of tea either. :)

Wishing everyone else a lovely Sunday afternoon. I have some clothes in the dryer from yesterday evening- they'll have to be fluffed more before folding. LOL I may need to wash more too. :)

Hello ladies.

Debi sorry about your swelling. Mother went and had the allergy test and she was sensitive to a lot of crazy things, cinnamon for one. Hope you find out your problem. Planting bushes/roses next to a swimming pool, leaves in the pool for sure.

Natasha sorry about your rear, I can imagine. Just on my short rides I would get sore. Don't know if you remember but I bought a pair of those padded shorts for riding a bike, caused a yeast infection. Not worth it.

Mel did say he wasn't getting out like that anymore. I reminded him he was in the bed for 6 weeks and had lost a lot of his strength.

Do any ofyou, if you get too hot makes you sick? I went out early this morning to do somehting in the yard and in a short time was too hot. Usually get over it quickly, but was sick for hours. Poor Mel, I did put out all his mes before I went  out there, but he didn't have much to eat for until I got to feeling better. I get really shakey, light headed and sick to stomach. Thought I might pass out. But better now.

Muril a nap is good. Wish your Mom had come home with you too, but as we age we really like to stay in our own homes.

hugs