I’m sure we all know all the tricks and what not to do…  if we’ve gone through any kind of weight-loss program (and we have all been there) we’ve heard it all. I’m 2 years out from my surgery and I have screwed up so many times I don’t want to even think about it.

I guess it is good to remind ourselves of the tricks and tips though…. When will power doesn’t work, we have to have something else to fall back on.

*Keep the bad foods out of the house. If you have to have them in the house (like breads) for other family members, then walk away, *Drink water when you think you want a snack.

*Eat a healthy snack instead, like yogurt,  Fresh fruit or vegetables.

*Take a walk or call a friend and whine to them so they can encourage you and tell you how good you are doing and how much more healthy you are now.  

*Maybe I’ll post a picture of myself pre-surgery on the fridge door… an 8x10…  so I can’t miss it. or maybe a before/after picture. Just knowing the picture was in the kitchen would probably keep me out!! J

*I still use a saucer plate for my meals or a very small bowl for soups… and a baby spoon to help me with portion size and bite size. If I use normal adult utensils and plates I find I get bigger portions on my plate and take bigger bites.

*Don’t eat/snack in the evenings… this one is a killer for me, I want popcorn (cookies) every night!!! And I can’t stop at a little or just 1.

It all comes down to will power and determination…  A friend of mine who is about 3 years out and has done really well up until recently is drinking Mt. Dew Code Red and eating chips all the time… she’s gained 20 pounds and gone up a clothing size….  She was talking to me on the phone telling me this as she was at the store looking for chips.

Anybody else have any tips/tricks or helpful suggestions to keep away from the snacks or falling back into the old routines?

Judy