Weight Loss Tricks

Here are some tricks I've figured out on my weight loss journey:

1. Drink 1 cup of water every hour on the hour to ensure hydration. Drink extra water if you drink coffee or tea, exercise, or go outside in the heat.

2. Remove processed food from your pantry and refrigerator. Donate it or throw it out. I keep one small area with "kid" foods (I should get rid of those too...one challenge at a time).

3. Divide your plate in half. Fill one half w/raw or steamed vegetables. Divide your second half in half. Fill one part with lean protein and one half with fruit.

4. Drink 2 cups of water 20 minutes before eating a meal. Do not drink anything during a meal except for a few sips of water to aid swallowing. This helps with digestion.

5. Do not eat 3 hours before bedtime. Only drink a moderate amount of water or herbal tea.

6. Get 8 hours of sleep at night. Help sleep with a cup of chamomile tea one hour before bedtime, a warm bath, or a small protein/fruit snack (apple and almond butter). Newly washed sheets, a dark room, and soft sounds (such as a waterfall / music cd) will help aide sleep.

7. Say this prayer each day:

Dear God,
Thank you for this wonderful day. I surrender my body, health, and weight loss to your care. I ask that you remove all excess and unnecessary weight from my body by giving me the strength to exercise and eat healthy. Return my body to a healthy state. Give me eating habits that support my health. Teach me to love my body and care for it from this day forth. Amen.

8. Remember this Bible verse: I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. - Phillipians 4:13.