The REAL Weight Loss Recipe:

Intense workouts at least 3 times a week

Drinking plenty of water

Eating healthy balanced meals and snacks

Some form of exercise every day

Making yourself a priority

Healthy Exercise

Do I hear moans and groans? I'm sure I do! The truth is though, if you're really serious about getting rid of that weight you aren't so fond of, you have to do it. Let me ask you a question. Is your health important to you? If not, then here's another question. Is your health important to your loved ones? If your answer to either of those questions was yes, then do yourself a favor. Get out of your chair...seriously!

Right now! Get up out of your chair or off the couch?) Find a mirror nearby...the bathroom maybe? A compact in your purse if you're a woman? Look yourself in the eye, and repeat after me: I am important. My health is important. I can do this! Every day, in every way I am getting better and stronger!

Don't ignore me, I am totally serious. If you can't do this for yourself, then think about the people who love you and need you to be healthy. You don't think those pounds crawled into your lap uninvited, do you? Whether you like it or not, you made the choices that put them there.

Is is hard to face that? You bet it is! How do I know? If you remember my first article, I am on my way to losing 80 pounds, one step at a time.

Perhaps you have more than 80 pounds to lose. Maybe you have less, but either way, it starts with making a concious decision to do something about it.

Healthy Eating

No more moans and groans...please! Eating healthy can still taste good, I swear! You don't have to go Vegan or take sudden drastic measures to make a noticable difference in your weight.

You do need to think about what you are going to put in your mouth.

Here's an example. I am a stress eater, I freely admit it. When I get stressed out or overwhelmed, upset, or don't want to deal with something, I reach for food. Not good food either, I pick the high calorie sugary stuff.

We have a saying in our family: A moment on the lips, forever on the hips. We mean it jokingly, but let me tell you, that saying becomes truer every year.

You do need to come to a realization where you understand what you are eating and why. The more quickly you identify that, the easier it will be. Easier not Easy is what I said.) Once you come to terms with what your food issue is, if you have one, you have to start making concious decisions. For me, that means when I am craving something sugary I have to ask myself: Think...am I really hungry or am I just trying to cope with food?"

I find a good way to deal with those sudden cravings is fresh air in the form of a short walk, some water or time in prayer. Journaling is another great way to deal with what you're feeling. If you aren't a praying person, maybe some quiet or meditation will help you.

Just remember that you really can accomplish the goals you set for yourself.