Tricks of the Trade

I posted these as a response to a request for WW Wisdom on a message board, and another poster suggested I put it on my site for reference as it's a great list. So here it is!

Vary your points. When your body is used to digesting the same amount of food every day, it becomes much more efficient and your weight loss may slow down. Keep your body guessing.

Vary your food. Don't eat the same thing every day, either - you WILL get bored!

Try to stay away from processed foods. While Smart Ones and Lean Cuisines may be convenient and low in points, they're also high in sodium, which can lead to water retention. Try to limit those in your diet.

Don't limit yourself to "low-fat" and "fat-free" foods. Remember, this isn't a diet - it's a lifestyle change. Make sure the changes you make are ones you can maintain for the rest of your life.

WATER! I drink three liters a day and it really helps.

Find what works for you - some people prefer mini-meals, others three squares. I tend to graze all day - breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, evening snack.

Be Patient!!! And Don't Compare Your Losses to others!! :) You didn't put the weight on overnight, and it won't come off that way either. Know that even if you lose half a pound, that's a loss and it's progress toward your goal. As long as you stay on track, you will get there. The only unknown parameter is WHEN - and try not to worry about that one. The longer it takes you to reach goal, the longer you have to learn the healthy habits to maintain your loss for life.

You CAN lose weight without exercise - but your body won't look as good! Exercise will really help shape and tone your body, and building muscle will DEFINITELY help you lose the fat, too. Find activities you like, that way exercise won't seem like a punishment (like it used to seem to me!).