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"Self Assessment"

Learning more about your self will help you to learn more about how best to handle your own weight loss and juggling. You need to know that:

1) Your weight loss needs to be done now. And realize that unless you decide to take control of your life, you will consistently gain weight again once you go off any diet or exercise regime you decide to follow.

2) In the time it takes for you to order a meal, stand around waiting for it and then eat it - sometimes with music you can't stand blaring in the background of a noisy fast food joint with babies crying around you, too, it is entirely possible that you could have found a more nutritious meal elsewhere - like at home, cheaper.

3) You may actually enjoy making and choosing your own healthy foods if you get rid of some of the other activities you do in your life and stay home more.

"Food & Cravings Basics"

If life were so simple, we could eat what we want, when we want. But let's get realistic. We all need food and we all suffer cravings at one time or another. But enjoy weight loss anyway, with these tips:

1) A good diet, one approved by your healthcare provider, is a must for everyone. You need a good variety of nutritional foods from all the food groups.

2) If you're thinking about a diet plan that only offers a selection of foods from one or two food groups (like a grapefruit-only diet), don't try this. You can't do it long term and will only harm yourself, your body more.

3) Don't go food shopping when you're hungry. At least have a snack before your go out or consider fortifying yourself with a cup of tea or coffee just before you go.

"Quick Meals"

There's nothing better for busy schedules than quick recipes and meal ideas.
So enjoy!

Fresh Fruit Salad

Serves: 1 person
Preparation time: 10 minutes

You will need:1 Apple of your choice
1 peeled and sectioned Orange
A handful of fresh Strawberries (if in season)
A handful of other berries if no Strawberries
1 medium sized Banana
A handful of raisins
A handful of grapes
Cantaloupe if in season, or Watermelon
4-6oz. Orange juice or other juice of your choice

Method: Start with the cantaloupe or watermelon and work your way upwards. (A melon baller comes in very handy if you like to have a morning fruit salad, and makes things look nice.)

Go on to the grapes, the unseeded variety is the best, proceed with the berry variety that you have and work your way to the orange.

From the orange, go next to the apple, and then the banana. All your fruits should be of bite sized and manageable portions. Add a drop of vanilla for a heavenly smell, along with the orange juice for added zest.

I have found this to create a very hearty breakfast all by itself, and the smell of the fruits is a wonderful way to greet the day with. A cup of coffee washes this lot down very nicely and you will find that a piece of toast never goes wrong either!

"Exercises"

Regardless of which weight loss plan or program you tackle, you need regular activity or exercise in your day. No need for expensive gyms, equipment and memberships, though. Get busy with these exercise and activity ideas:

1) Before you begin any fitness plan, check with your healthcare provider for approval

2) Exercise while you're watching television and stop being just a couch potato! YOU can do basic push ups, sit ups and more during commercials. Or plug in a video and move it, dude

3) Forget about driving anywhere. Grab your bike or walk! Increase length of activity and intensity over time, too.

4) Buddy up for fun. Grab your spouse, kids, neighbors, relatives - and get healthy together!

5) Log your activity regularly in a personal journal. Also note your weight loss efforts, favorite foods, special recipes and meals and other cool weight loss info. This is your special personal journal, so enjoy it - add stickers, use high lighters, colored markers and pencils. Jot down your goals and progress so you'll have a keepsake.

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