Hina's Fave Diet Resources

When you're taking on a huge task like losing weight, I believe in getting all the help you can. Use all the tools available to you! These are just a few of my favorite tools for battling the bulge. Check them out, and if you have any great tips or sites, share the knowledge!

Counting Calories
It's hard enough sticking to a specific number of calories per day without having to guess how much you're actually consuming. Get a food scale, some measuring cups (for liquid and dry ingredients), and measuring spoons, then check out the following sites to help calculate your daily calories.

NutritionData.com ~*~ Calorie-Count.com ~*~ and CalorieKing.com

Starting a Program
If you're new to weight loss and have no idea where to start, why don't you check out some tried and true programs? I started using Nutrisystem because it is incredibly convenient. Your food shows up, you eat and go. No cooking, no measuring. Jenny Craig is another food delivery option. Weight Watchers doesn't give you food, but it gives you the tools for eating well and in moderation. All food is assigned a points value, and you get a certain number of points every day.

Low Cal Foods and Finds
Hungry Girl is my go-to site. If you haven't seen this yet, definitely check it out. Hungry Girl and her staff check out low cal foods, find the tasty ones, and let you know about the losers - before you spend your money on them! She's got recipes, taste tests, nutrition info, and lots more. She even dishes on dishes from well known restaurants! There's tons of helpful info on the HG site.

A Buddy System
It is so important to have good support when you are working on losing weight. If you can, recruit family members. They will be around to motivate you, they can exercise with you, and they can help steer you clear of temptation. Also look for help from friends and coworkers. Most people aren't out to sabotage your progress, so the more people know you're working towards a healthier life, the more they can help and motivate you. If you don't have anyone to help you out, or if you're just not comfortable telling others about your plan, then try an online weight loss group. Sometimes just being able to vent, and hearing that you're not alone in your struggles, is enough to get you through a rough spot. And if you need a buddy, I am always ready to cheer you on!

My Weight Loss Buddies

My aunt forwarded me an email that contained the line:

"Aspire to Inspire before you Expire!"

I really like that message! Since posting my Weight Loss Mantra, I've gotten some great comments, questions, and commiserations. It really helps me to know that I'm not alone in my weight loss journey. I hope I can help inspire some people to lose weight, or just help others realize that they're not alone. Other people are struggling with the same problems. This is a tough road for anyone, and if you need a weight loss buddy, I'm here for you!

A friend of mine commented that when you ask people how they lost weight, they give you a very vague answer. It seems that if you've lost weight, how you did it becomes a closely guarded secret. I don't like that. Share the love! Tell what worked and what didn't work for you. Even if it doesn't work for me, it might work for someone else, and it will at least give me some ideas.

This is why, if you're trying to lose weight, a Weight Loss Buddy can really help you achieve your goals. Pick people who are as motivated, or more motivated than you. Choose a person who will share their failures as well as their successes. If possible, find a person who can work out with you as well. If you are just starting out, find a buddy who is also ready to take the weight loss plunge with you. Recruiting close family members is always a plus. They will be around to help motivate you, they can exercise with you, and they can help shield you from temptation (like the dessert tray). If you don't have family or friends as an option, try joining an online weight loss forum.

That said, I want to thank my Weight Loss Buddies for joining me on the journey to a Healthy Lifestyle. You help me in so many ways!

* When I give in to cravings, you remind me that I have strength to stay in control of myself.
* When I have super food-guilt because I overate, you tell me that one moment of weakness does not make my entire life a failure.
* When I am stressed out and mindlessly munching, you help bring perspective to my situation.
* On days when I my self esteem is low and I feel fat and ugly, you show me what I am worth and remind me of all that I have accomplished.
* When I have no idea what to eat or cook, you come up with fabulous, tasty ideas for new foods to keep my mouth happy.
* You find some great resources, and share awesome information, recipes, and ideas on food, exercise, and life in general.
* You share your experiences with me, and help me realize that I am not alone in how I feel and what I am going through.
* You help keep me motivated and strong.

Just having another person to chat with, or bounce ideas off of, can help you stay focused on your weight loss goals. And remember, if you think you're alone, I am always ready to be a weight loss cheerleader! I aspire to inspire!