Motivational / Support Tips for Weight Control

Bipolar Disorder Weight Loss Support

Maybe you've tried one or more diets and/or exercise programs in the past and finally given up. Maybe you just haven't been able to get started. The articles below will help you understand the difficulties, work through the stumbling blocks, and help you stay on target toward your weight loss goals.

• Marcia's Tip
  A Harvard study published in the March 2001 Journal of the American Medical Association found that "a leisurely nine-minute stroll once a day" can cut a woman's risk of heart disease almost in half. And it was the length of time, not the speed, that made the difference. Nine minutes just strolling around? Most of us can do that, and if it's too much, start with less (even two minutes) and work up to nine or ten. Seems less daunting this way, doesn't it?

• Are You Resolved?
  Weight Control Guide Jennifer Scott has ideas specifically for keeping weight loss resolutions. They're sensible and will really help keep you on track.

• The Resolution Revolution
  Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for the Exercise Impaired. You'll recognize yourself in these - I DID! Especially the one about using the treadmill to hang clothes on. But following the humorous resolutions is sound practical advice from Paige Waehner for keeping your commitment to exercise going.
  Exercise Guide's New Year's Checklist

• Ten Tips for New Year's Resolutions
  It doesn't matter whether it's New Year's or not. Resolutions can be made anytime. Go ahead and do it now, and you'll reap the rewards.

• Exercise! What Is It Good For?!
  If you are having trouble motivating yourself, read this so you can remind yourself why it's so good for you - beyond just losing weight.

• What's Your Excuse?
  I'm too busy to exercise. I HATE to exercise! Guide Paige Waehner has answers for these excuses and eight more. Face it: to lose weight gained from meds, exercise is essential. If one of these excuses is stopping you, find out how to overcome it and get moving.

• Weight Control Plateaus
  Have you lost some weight, kept on your program, but lost no more? This article is aimed toward walkers, but has great information for anyone who is trying to lose weight by combining diet and exercise. Don't miss this!

• Understanding Exercise Plateaus
  This, too, is a must-read for anyone who is frustrated at lack of progress. Why do plateaus happen, and what can be done about them? From About Exercise Guide Paige Waehner.

• The Awesome Power of Goal-Setting
  Subtitled "Ten Tips for Triumph," this 3-part article by Human Resources Guide Susan Heathfield will help you with goal-setting for more than just weight loss - it's good advice for life.

• Weight Control Survival Skills
  Smart stuff from About.com's Weight Control Guide - including some bright ideas for getting yourself to exercise even when you don't want to.

• Lighten Up!
  For our gym users, ideas for bringing a little humor to your workout. For example: after your aerobics class warms up, walk to the front of the room and start teaching the Hokey Pokey. (OK, some ideas are better than others.)