What Makes You GAIN Weight? Part 3

You Don't Count Calories!  

Confusing how much you eat with counting calories is huge.  We say..."I didn't eat that much today".  But...what you ate was over 4000 calories-usually in drinks, fast foods, and candy-more than your body can burn off in one day.

Counting calories will set you up for success.  Here's why:

1. Counting calories creates an AWARENESS of portion size and how much you eat.
2. Counting calories will persuade you eat less once you realize the cost of eating or drinking the item and if you are really trying to lose weight.
3. Counting calories helps you plan out your meals more effectively.  Having an idea how many calories are contained in foods can help you make wiser choices.  Example:  Miracle Whip vs. Miracle Whip Light or Yellow Mustard in place of mayo is even less calories on that turkey sandwich.

To successfully lose weight and keep it off, you must COUNT EVERYTHING!  If you don't know how many calories is contained in your meal or snack, rule of thumb:  DON'T EAT IT until you do! :)

What Makes You GAIN Weight? Part 2

Erratic Overeating!  Or, Compulsive Overeating involves out-of-control eating, usually in secret, and without purging afterward.

How to know if you are an erratic overeater:

- Always on or off diets
- Always going on a diet tomorrow
- Feel that life will begin when reach target weight
- Can never maintain weight loss
- Large weight gains
- Eating alone and in secret
- Hiding wrappers
- Weight gain while appearing to eat very sensibly
- Skipping meals
- Erratic eating habits
- Depression and moodiness
- Food disappearing and denying any knowledge of where it has gone

To combat compulsive overeating, eat on a schedule.  Not only will it help regulate your metabolism, but it will help to prevent starvation.  Starvation ALWAYS leads to excessive hunger which usually leads to erratic overeating.  This cycle can lead to the development of an eating disorder and the physical and emotional consequences that result such as obesity and overweight, shame and embarrassment.  The best way to defeat erratic eating is to eat smaller portions throughout the day-on a schedule-to avoid gorging your food all at once.  

If your eating has become compulsive and you cannot control it, you need PROFESSIONAL HELP and prayer.  Please consider a 12 step program such as:  http://www.oe.org or contact me, your coach, for further assistance.