I’d like to share my own experience with you. I never was slim and slender, even in my youth. But recently I’ve grown extremely stout. It lasted for about five years, till the time I decided to stop this and change something in my life. It was a difficult decision, but I was really fed up with the constant increase in my weight. It was indeed very problematic. I had to change my clothes very often, for my sizes were steadily expanding.
Last year I weighed two-hundred-thirty-five pounds, and I decided to revise my style of life. I didn’t want to try any medical drugs being advertised on television, nor did I wish to exhaust myself with extreme starvation. So, I determined to form a plan for myself with rather soft steps. It worked. I’ve lost thirty-five pounds, and I feel much better. Here are some tips out of my own experience concerning a way to lose thirty-five pounds in four months:
- I tried to exclude salt from my food. It was my first step, and very difficult step, since I always adored various salt products, like nuts, chips, etc.
- I found it very beneficial to replace drinks favored by most people, such as cola with juice or (even better) pure water. I tried to drink as much water as I could. In general, water helps to remove toxins from the body.
- Another bit of advice involves minimizing portion size. I gradually reduced my portion, in order to eliminate overeating.
- Fat limitation is important as well. For this purpose, I had to give up cheese, fatty meats, and other products rich in fat. I had to forget about fast food products, and include more vegetables and fruits into my diet.
- In order to choose a correct diet, it’s necessary to be aware of the amount of calories any food contains. I purchased a book to get some information about this, and tried to limit consumption of calories.
- It’s a common truth that pure water is more useful and versatile than any other liquid. But it’s impossible to give up all tea, coffee, etc. I buy orange juice. It’s very useful, is rich in vitamins, and low in calories. I like tea, but I try to sweeten it with fruits, while refraining from sugar.
- I never imagined that so many tasty dishes could be prepared from just vegetables and fruits. I experimented with various fruit salads, and discovered them to be very suitable for light suppers.
- I try to refrain from eating late at night, but when I’m extremely hungry, I prepare a fruit cocktail. It fills me up with a minimum of calories. It’s possible to explore all your creativity when preparing a delicious, low calorie dish. And it’s worth doing, too, for such food is very tasty and useful.
- What is also very important is to exercise in a way you enjoy. I started with just walking. It was a pleasant twenty-minute walk in park. Now I try to devote an hour three times a week to exercising at home. It’s useful for muscle tone. Besides, it reduces all forms of stress.
- Once a week I relax from dieting. I go to a store and buy any food I desire. I then sit in front of my television set and eat it without counting calories. It’s an encouraging treat that I look forward to the whole week. It’s not harmful, as long as I indulge in reasonable amounts.

Kristine Routber, teacher

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Please Note: The information presented throughout Lose100Pounds.org is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please see your physician before starting any diet and/or exercise program.