Creating Your Plan

All the experts tell you that all you have to do is watch what you eat and exercise every day. It sounds easy, so why is it so difficult? Because you need to have a plan.

Realistic Plans

A realistic plan is one that changes your lifestyle gradually. Unrealistic plans ignore you as a person. They require drastic changes. They involve pre-packaged menus and workouts designed by someone who has never met you. You need a plan that makes sense for your life, your style, and your goals. Beyond the Bus Stop can help you create a personal plan.

Know the Goal

In planning, you work backwards, so start with the goal. Don't focus on how much weight you want to lose. Focus on what your goal is and most importantly how you want to feel. Be realistic.

      Post it on your refrigerator as a daily reminder of your goal.

Know Where You Are
Take some photos of yourself (front view, side view). This is not easy but it will make sense later as you start getting results. The pictures will make you proud when you drop the pounds and it will motivate you to reach your goal.

Take your measurements and write them down. Measure your arms, legs, waist, chest, neck, and anything else you want to measure. Record the size of your clothing. Keep these measurements as well. They too will make you proud when reach your goal weight. I mean it. Get out that camera and take your picture and measure yourself.

      Record all the information about your starting point.

Start a Journal

Every day, take a few minutes to write down how you feel. Day 1 will may involve sentences like, "I'm so tired all the time," or "I'm unhappy with how I look" or "I want to get in better shape then I am now." As your body begins to change, you'll start writing things like, "I have much more energy lately," and "I'm thrilled that I drop a size, and all my clothes are baggy."

Get Support and Use it

You need to lose the weight for yourself. Having people around you who are doing it with you makes a huge difference in keeping up your motivation. Surround yourself with like minded people for your success. Get some buddies and use the support forum on Beyond the Bus Stop. Support from others will help you through the tough times and they will cheer for you when you succeed, and help you get past your stopping points. Ask someone to get healthier and even more fabulous with you. Get up and make contact with somebody at this very moment, and ask them to join you.

Nutrition

Decide which new nutrition habits you are willing to incorporate into your life. Drink more water, eat more fruit and vegetables with every meal, and switch to whole grain bread. Never think about taking away a food; always add. Add a vegetable to every dinner. Add a fruit to every meal. Add a glass of water to every meal. This isn't about restricting yourself. It's about adding healthier foods. Eventually, you'll find yourself naturally eating those healthier foods. To get started, just choose a new habit and start doing it right now. Get up and get a glass of water or eat a piece of fruit.