Beginner's Guide to MTF Crossdressing
Reaching and Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Part Two
By Diane Hutchinson
Catch up by reading Part One
Last month I was a bit rough on everyone in laying out the harsh realities of weight
control, so I feel that I am now obligated to give you all a few of my tips for actually
losing and maintaining weight. In reading these please keep in mind that the real
key to any diet is being consistent. That means taking these tips, and any other ones
you use, to heart. By the way, I realize that not all of these tips are for everyone,
but why not implement the ones that work for you. Perhaps the others you don't use
might aid you in developing some new ones of your own. Over the years I have probably
found and developed hundreds of tips that work for me. Since I can't list them all,
here is a list of some of my best:
Diane's Weight Control Tips
1. Remember that low fat does not always mean low calorie. Two classic examples are
some of the fat free candies and salad dressings. Take a look at the back of some
of the packages for an unpleasant surprise. Really examine a product that claims
to be low fat before you buy it, to avoid making costly mistakes.
2. Discover healthier treats that you actually like. Substitute those as much as possible
for the higher calorie or fatty treats. I love frozen yogurt, and have not had ice
cream in years. You know what? I never miss it.
3. Drink diet soda instead of regular, if you can stand it. If not, stick to water.
One can of soda has 150 calories compared to zero in diet soda or water. By the way
I hated diet soda until I forced myself to drink it for a week (guess that's how
long it takes for your taste buds to die..
4. If you are planning a big meal, or going out to eat, have a small healthy snack
before hand, like an apple, or a hand full of fat-free pretzels. This will take the
edge off your hunger and help you resist overeating.
5. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, not worrying about getting the closest
parking space, using the bathroom on a different floor at work, and taking a walk
at lunch are just a few examples of how you can increase your daily activity level.
By themselves they won't do much, but it all adds up. Notice that none of these activities
take any real time.
6. At my work people are always bringing in cookies or donuts. To combat this situation
I came up with the rule that if I wanted one of the goodies I would wait an hour
before taking one. Almost always the choice would be made for me as they will have
disappeared, or I would change my mind by then. This tip works anywhere, even support
group meetings!
7. There are plenty of low calorie/low fat products out there; the trick is to find
the ones you can live with most of the time. I have grown to appreciate a good garden
burger, and most of the time will have that, or grilled chicken. On occasion I still
treat myself to a real burger, but not too often. Big calorie savings can be found
by using the right condiments. Mustard, or even ketchup, instead of mayo, or forgoing
the butter on vegetables or bread, will net you big time savings.
8. Just because food is free, or comes on your plate, does not mean you have to eat
it all. Every notice how most people pig out at at a restaurant or at events where
the food is provided? They have a large portion when they would normally have only
a regular sized one, or have a piece of cake when normally they don't eat dessert. This
can really sock it to you in the waist. Take your time; pick what you really want
to eat, and stop when you are full. Most restaurants do provide doggie bags.
9. Learn to read food labels so you don't just put food into your mouth blindly. I
remember a situation where I was presented with my choice of any type of Häagen-Dazs
ice cream bar for free. I had been really good for a long time, and felt I had earned
a special treat. Besides, I thought, how bad could it be? After selecting my choice
I glanced at the back label and then returned the bar. That ice cream bar contained
over half of my daily fat allowance and almost a third of the calories I normally
eat in a day! Sure, it would have been good, but is it worth all that for such a tiny treat?
10. Whenever you can, cut corners. For example, how many times do you get a sandwich
with a giant roll that is too big for the meat in the sandwich. Rather than just
eat the whole roll, I always move the meat all into one area, and trim the extra
roll off. I know this sounds really anal, but it is stuff like this that really adds up over
time.
11. Keep only healthy snacks around at home, and at work. If you are going to a party
where you think there will be no snacks you can fit into your diet, offer to bring
one, and then just make it a healthy one you like. By doing these things you should
never find yourself in a situation with only "bad" snacks.
12. On occasion treat yourself to something you know is bad for you, but you love.
When you do, be sure to at least make it worth it. Don't waste your treat on low
grade chocolate, or some crappie store bought cookies. Have an imported chocolate,
or a real home baked cookie. It will make the experience much more worth while. Also, by doing
this on occasion you will "let off steam" and not feel like you are always deprived.
By adhering to my rules for reaching and maintaining a healthy weight, following a
sensible diet plan, and utilizing these weight control tips along with you own, you
will be fitting into that sexy little number before you know it.
Remember that you can never cheat on a diet, you only can cheat on yourself. See you
all next month.
Diane
If you enjoyed this article and want to read more, check out my web site or drop me an Email.
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