Four Keys to Successful Weight Loss

Someone recently asked me if I knew any secrets to losing weight. I answered,"Yes!@ But the pictures we took while we were on vacation tell me that I need to take a dose of my own medicine and lose some weight myself.

Most popular magazines have feature articles on a new diet plan in every issue. My opinion is that it does not matter what plan you choose. I have lost weight on the Weight Watchers low fat plan, on the Slim Fast diet, and on the Atkins high protein, low carbohydrate diet. However, I do suggest that you follow these four spiritual principles.

Get Clarity: If you are fat, why? Be honest. As people grow older, their activity level and their metabolism slow down, but often they still eat like teenagers. If no dietary change is made, it is easy to add 5 pounds a year. But my guess is that if you do not have a thyroid problem and you are 30, 60, 100 or more pounds over weight, you are actively working at putting on those pounds. Overcoming the pattern of compulsive overeating and the resulting sickness, guilt and shame requires clarity and self confrontation.

Total Commitment: Make a decision about your diet plan. Set your goal. Tell everyone you know. Tap into spiritual power. Ask God to help you - and start walking or work out daily.

Cast Out Your Demons: We all have inner dialogue. Whiney little voices that tell us we are soo hungry and that we can eat just one more. We hear shouts of self criticism. Talk back to those voices. Tell them to shut up or go away.

Be Consistent: Keep a daily journal of what you eat. Look it over. Pray for the discipline to be successful.

I made a lifetime enemy by telling my beautician that I thought she had gained a few pounds. But my comments made her so mad, that she decided to surprise me and get in shape. Five years passed before I saw her again. Standing before me was an attractive, slim, trim, woman who was asking me to sponsor her to run in a 26 mile fund raising marathon! A friend of mine who was diagnosed with diabetes successfully lost 65 pounds and got off his medication. If you have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, back, hip, or knee pain, losing weight may be the most curative thing you can do to help yourself feel better.

For further information about his books, please visit www.densmorereid.com

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