Step one to a new lifestyle.

It seems there is always the latest frenzy of diets.

Brand name diets come and go as quickly as Octomom

is having babies. Then there are the “Extreme” diets.

I would say over 95% of diets out there work. I do

question ones health on extreme diets that

advertiser losing 7-10 pounds per week; when a

healthy weight loss should be no more than

2-3 pounds a week.

The problem with the word “DIET” is that you can't

stay on them forever. One could end up with serious

health issues staying on an “Extreme” diet over the

recommended length of time.

Forget the diets, forget the calorie counting unless

you're a professional athlete. How about a lifestyle

change. Make a decision, a promise to change the

way you're eating, to excersie consistently, to have

a new LIFESTYLE on your own health.

Start by a decision. Write your goals down on a

3 x 5 card and place it on your bathroom mirror.

The goals should be:

How much do you want to weigh.

When do you want to achieve the new weight.

Be realistic on the time issue. You shouldn't be

losing anymore than 2-3 pounds a week after your

first 2 weeks of your new lifestyle.

Take a head to toe photo. Take measurements of

arms, chest, waist, hips (if female) and thighs. Get

serious, take your lifestyle by the horns.

Erick, Excellent advice!

I've changed my whole way of thinking and try to think of myself as an "active" person now. I play tennis, run, swim and do any other physical activity that I can find.

My daughter bought me a shirt for mother's day that says "Athletes Run". I love that simple statment.

That's definitely true. The word diet sets you up for failure right there. You have to change your eating habits because obviously since we are obese it hasn't been working for us. Since I got banded I've made sure I eat fruits and veggies daily. I don't buy junk food. If i'm at someone's house (like a party or something) and it's there I will have some but I don't buy it. Same thing with Cookies, cakes and brownies. Usually those items were at the top of my to buy list. Not anymore.

I try to stick to healthier foods whenever I can. If not I allow my self to have 1 or 2 or a half piece or whatever, just not the whole bag or the whole pan. I don't really think about them much anymore.