THE JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SIMPLE STEP

I always like to think of this quote when I embark on a change..particularly a daunting one. Let's face it-it can be intimidating and frustrating and overwhelming to think about losing weight. Where do I start? It will take me forever to get to a size 6...will I be able to wear that dress for the (fill in the blank)..wedding,dance,reunion...)? The fact is losing weight is doable and despite our attempts to make it really hard and confusing and complicated with bizarre and non-sustainable diets, it is not any of those things. Your body wants you to reach a desirable weight and if you let it ..it will help you get there. At one point in my career I worked in charge of a hospital exercise and rehab program-a very big and successful one. I saw countless patients make those changes and succeed longterm. It can be done. Over the next few weeks we will explore the 6 phases of successfully losing weight. The first is FINDING THE MOTIVATION. Maybe your doctor suggested it-or your mirror-or that little voice inside your head. You must find the idea that you will carry as your motivation. Maybe it's a picture of you at a great weight..or a picture of you heavy that broke your heart..or a picture of your body icon..someone who you would love to look like(this is what I have taped to my treadmill!!). I am inspired by Lisa Rinna, who at 44 is in tremendous shape. Maintaining a fabulous weight is obviously her priority. We are going to make it yours.

Think about what would motivate you. Then find a visual reminder(a picture, a quote etc..)and copy it. Tape one to your bathroom mirror, on the frig, on your datebook, at your desk. You will need it for your journey. It is not a diet you are about to embark on. It is a lifestyle overhaul and it is the way you are choosing to live from now on. Its a big deal. It is the only thing that will ever work for anyone to lose weight and then maintain it. Good for you!! Next week we will talk about choosing a weight goal..which confounds many of us..I will tell you how to do it so that you can achieve it. In the meantime you have a week to find that motivation picture. Get going.