Extreme Fat Loss Diet-think Lifestyle Change Rather Than Diet

Just hearing the word "diet" does it make you want to cringe? Does it cause a feeling of resentment? When I switched from thinking "diet" to "lifestyle change" it made all the difference in my weight loss and it can do the same for you.

I've struggled with my weight my entire life. As a child I couldn't have dairy products and my parents let me eat whatever I wanted to eat from the eligible list of foods. I wasn't encouraged to try fruits and vegetables because my mother thought it was tough enough on me to not be able to have milk products. Thus, by ten years old, I was already weighing 150 pounds. Eventually I was allowed to have dairy products, but my bad eating habits were in place. I also began drinking soda pop at least once a day.

My first serious attempt to lose weight was in the ninth grade. We had to take a physical fitness test in gym class and one of the requirements was getting weighed. It was embarrassing to stand in front of my peers and hear the teacher holler out, "201 pounds!" I still can visualize the other girls snickering and my best friend crying because she felt sorry for me.

I was able to stick with a strict diet long enough to lose 56 pounds. But within a couple of years, the weight began to pack on again. I was thinking that I probably was weighing around 220 when I needed to see the doctor for a physical for a teaching job. I was mortified when the scale read 243 pounds! Thus, I went on another diet and soon found myself gaining, losing, gaining, losing, etc.

Two years ago when my weight was nearing the 300 pound mark, I knew that I needed to make a permanent change. That's when I began to view changes as healthy lifestyle changes, rather than dieting and exercising. What's the difference? It's the mindset.

When I would diet, it tended to be a very strict eating regimen with foods that I didn't even like. I was constantly feeling hungry and tired. I couldn't wait to go to bed just so I could get the day over with. But now that I view eating as part of a healthy lifestyle, I'm enjoying losing weight! I'm focusing on eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats and grains. I also allow myself to have special treats from time to time--something I would never do on a diet. For once I feel as though I'm in control of my food, rather than food controlling me.

I'm also realizing the need to shake things up every now and then. If I have a few weeks with very little loss, then I actually choose one day a week as a "free" day. Instead of my usual walking, I do a fun activity such as swimming or volley ball. I also allow myself to enjoy whatever foods that I want that day. This has actually helped me to stay on track the other days.

These changes are ones that I can see doing for the rest of my life. Whereas, when a diet ends, then all the things that go with it typically end as well--no more exercising, no more food restrictions, etc. Of course, that's also the start of packing on the pounds again.

If you're stuck in a dieting rut, then consider changing your mindset.