You want to lose weight. What to do?

Lots of people realize the need of losing weight, but find excuses to put it off till tomorrow. We choose time when we start exercising, we say "I'll start on Monday" ot "I'll start next year" but when it comes we understand that we are not ready to start yet. How many times are you going to postpond it? Just do it now.

Here are the list of overcome barriers:

• I'm too busy - don't have enough time

It's all a matter of priorities really... If something is important enough to you, you will make time for it. I personally used this excuse to justify my laziness.

• I am embarrassed about the way I look when exercising

Exercise at home. Find a place when you can feel comfortable and be alone. The most embarassing factor for me is the looks of my husband. To avoid them I let my family know beforehand that I am going to excercise and ask them not to come into the training room. Keep off such stresses.

• I'm afraid of injury

Many people start out and do too much in too little time. Find exercise that suits you - and begin with something gentle (i.e. walking).

• I don't have access to any fitness equipment

Walking is something that can be done anywhere, as is home exercise videos.

• I'm too overweight to exercise

Over time physical activity will become easier. Some exercises are more suited to larger bodies than others (such as swimming, walking, treadmills, and elliptical trainers).
If possible, make a plan of exercise goals, a basic timetable of when, where, and how, you will stick to it.

Good luck!

Self Test for Compulsive Overeating

This series of questions may help you determine if you are a compulsive overeater.

1. Do you eat when you're not hungry?
   
2. Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?
   
3. Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?
   
4. Do you give too much time and thought to food?
   
5. Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?
   
6. Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?
   
7. Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?
   
8. Do you hide your food?
   
9. Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?
   
10. Do you resent others telling you to "use a little willpower" to stop overeating?
    
11. Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet "on your own" whenever you wish?
12. Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than meal time?
    
13. Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?
    
14. Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?
    
15. Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?
    
16. Is your weight affecting your health?
    
17. Do you feel lethargic or daze like?
    
18. Do you crave specific types of food products, such as wheat, milk, flour, rice?
    
19. Do you have withdrawal symptoms from not eating certain foods?
    
20. Have you ever blacked out or passed out from overeating?
    
21. Have you experienced episodes of schizophrenia?

At least 5 "yeses" should suggest you an idea that something is wrong.