Preface

Initially I had no intentions on making my story into a book, however, after two months of writing I realized it was something worth sharing that could help others as well.  Out of the many diets I’ve tried, none seem to really address mindset.  In order to have momentum last for more than a week the mindset has to change and that is the main focus of this book. 

People often ask me how long it took me to lose nearly one hundred pounds.  My first fifty pounds took only two and a half months yet this was a little too fast as proven later on when I began to yoyo twenty pounds at a time.  Speaking of time, I would suggest that you take your time and remember you are making positive life changes that will last forever.  Nobody expects you to get it right the first go round; I certainly didn’t.

Another popular question seems to be “how did I change”?  Well, everything changes. The world changes or perhaps your own personal energy does and that in turn attracts more positive events.  My ambition increased dramatically and I’m much more happy and content with my life.  I don’t have bouts of sadness or stress and even if I get temperamental, it only lasts a few moments.  I’ve learned how to focus my attention on what I’m excited about and this always uplifts my moods.  I once heard someone say about goals “plan something huge that’s going to really generate some excitement”.  I believe writing this book along with my paintings have been some of the reasons I jump out of the bed every morning.

I’ve learned that we must be very proactive about depositing an influx of positive information into our being everyday.  Having acquired some emotional maturity and self-discipline, I’ve gained much more control over my life.  This automatically made me more confident about achieving anything that I want and so look for my next book coming to your neighborhood soonJ

Introduction

Ever wondered why we sometimes do well on a diet and then other times we just can't seem to capture that momentum?  Well if we are what we eat, then we are certainly what we think about all day as well.  In this respect this book serves as a form of a positive reconditioning of the mind that helped me lose nearly 100 pounds!  I needed to get my thinking in order, dissect and become aware of my subconscious thoughts through writing and as a result I've captured that momentum on every page.

I am convinced that weight loss begins with little information and a lot of focus and motivation.  My journey commanded me to go inside and become aware of each problem.  Through writing I discovered that I needed discipline for my bingeing and help staying inspired.  I needed to exercise consistently, manage stress and conquer setbacks.  These things were not going to be fixed overnight.  Therefore, I focused my writing on working toward resolving my weaknesses.  In regards to specific stressors, I recommend that you write at least one paragraph per day to focus your attention on working through what's eating you. 

Many times I didn't have the answer to a problem but wrote about it anyway.  Somehow, whenever I began to write about my weight loss challenges, solutions simply popped into my mind.  Well one year and three setbacks later I went from 230 pounds to 150 pounds.  I added a basic calorie counter at the end of this book so that you'll know how to eat 1,000 calories of whatever you want that's balanced and 200 calories of vegetables to total 1,200 calories per day for women and 1,500 (1,200 calories of whatever you want that's balanced and 300 calories of vegetables) for men and all the non-starchy vegetables you want. 

As usual with any diet plan you should always consult your doctor first.  The idea is to aim for 1,200 (for women) to 1,500 calories (for men) of a balanced diet and land pretty close to it.  I find that it's really quite easier to aim a little lower to land at the desired number.  You'd be amazed at how much little things add up, coffee creamer, sugar, gum and hard candy that we think is harmless.  Do not count calories from non-starchy vegetables because they are so low in calories that you'll be full before it made any difference.  Also, if you’re eating enough of all your favorite non-starchy vegetables, veggie soup, and veggie juice you should never be hungry on this plan.

I would advise that you take a look at the end of the book for "Simple Calorie Counter" and “Mistakes to Avoid” early on so that you won’t waste time correcting yourself.

Okay get ready, get set, let's go.

I'm In Love With Exercise, I'm In Love With Me!

Exercise — Workout

When I exercise I feel empowered

I look into the mirror; I’m as beautiful as a flower.

I love the way my body looks, I love the way my body feels

The sweat, no stress, the burn, no bills.

I feel my body temperature rise; I feel the heat in my face

When I exercise I’m not thinking at all what an escape.

Up dog, down dog, I’m red as a beet

Tree pose, I’m centered firmly on my feet.

When I exercise I take back my power,

My spine thickens, Butts I’m kickin’

Anger, frustration released with every punch

And I’m not guilty about today’s lunch.

Nothing in the world offers this kind of confidence

Conquering my body, my muscles kind of dense.

Full circle, I’m getting everything I want

My beautiful body is back and I’m a 41-year-old Aunt.

Reviews…

Your book is so inspirational for all people; those who are trying to lose weight or not. It is unique and one cannot put it down without wanting to turn to the next page.
Joyce Manago

This book is very uplifting.  As you read the book you actually can pick-up the spirit in her poems and her riveting tone/sassy/saucy.

Wendy J. King

You are one of GOD's chosen to put pen to pad and bring forward peace, truth, and unity. One of your purposes in life is to write and that is being fulfilled with this book.

Gregg Taylor