Following the fad diets of my mom and her friends did not work for me.
T.O.P.S. was a weight loss club that my mom and I attended many years ago. The acronym stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. The idea was to eat sensible meals by choosing the right foods and eating them in the right portions. We were not to use diet pills, special foods or special plans.
But, even with the support of those around us, the program and dieting didn't work for me. Matter of fact, those diets really sent my metabolism into a tail spin. Have you ever found yourself in this predicament?
After years of searching, trying different ways to manage and lose weight, I finally found a simple system that is working for me. I am losing weight and you can, too!
By erasing everything we've known in the past and starting with a clean slate, we can reprogram our mind with a new way, a proven system that will take off those unwanted pounds…for good.
Here's a look at what I've been doing to get results.
Realize why you want to manage your weight…
I know that may sound silly, kind of ridiculous. But the reality is we must want to lose weight for the right reason.
Losing weight can be the same as if you were trying to quit any bad habit, like smoking for example.
I smoked for over 10 years…to be cool. Really…to fit in. I knew it was bad for me, but I wanted others to like me, so I smoked…to my health's detriment.
I tried quitting three times. Every time I would end up sneaking a cigarette, washing my hands, hair and teeth so my boyfriend wouldn't know that I had failed.
My motive for quitting was for the wrong reason. I was quitting because he wanted me to…I didn't want to.
Six years later I found myself in a disgusting situation, sitting in the gravel driveway digging around for any butt to smoke. I was desperate for that nicotine.
The next minute I thought…what am I doing? I was so disgusted with myself that it prompted me to take action. I quit cold turkey that day…it's been 23 years since I've taken so much as a puff!
But, you see…I decided I was quitting, no matter what, and I did it! No excuses, no matter what…I did it!
When you figure out why you want to lose weight you will do it. Whether it is to lose a few pounds or gain a few pounds, the result will be the same…you will do it!
Key tools to use…
Some simple, yet verykey tools we all need to use for our weight management are free!
Free or not, these tools are useless unless we actually use them in our daily life. Don't take these free tools for granted.
Once you decide why you are managing your weight, then you need to act on your “why”.
Simple key tools:
regular 7 to 8 hours of deep, restful sleep
consistently drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day
eliminate all soda and sugared drinks (yes, this includes cappuccino, sorry)
make a grocery list including FRESH fruits, veggies and meats
eliminate pre-packaged, processed meals, these are full of sodium, sugar and carbs
partner up with a friend or family member for support
move it, get up and walk, swim, play with the dog
take a good vitamin supplement
Implement your action plan…
Each of us will take this information and do something totally different with it.
In order to show you that it does work, I will share my plan with you.
By taking these tips and acting on them I am losing weight living the lifestyle that I want to. Your lifestyle may be totally different than mine, that's okay. You can take these tips and adjust them to you 😉
It wasn't easy to do, but after deciding to manage my weight instead of dieting, I had to adjust a few things in my daily life.
Sleep is an area I struggle with. Being a work-a-holic isn't something I'm proud of, but it is a fact. Working on getting the proper sleep is one part of the plan I work on daily.
When shopping I make a list and stick to it. By eating a piece of fruit and drinking a glass of water before leaving the house I don't crave everything that looks good on the shelves. Being able to stick to the list, staying focused on why I am shopping is easier. Not buying out the store with calorie laden emptiness is a thing of the past!
By planning meals we are able to buy only the ingredients that are not already in the pantry. This saved money and allowed me to stick to my plan.
No more being lazy and buying prepackaged foods. Being determined to cook from scratch eliminated hundreds of carbs, countless milligrams of sodium and refined sugars.
Fresh fruits, veggies and meat were mainstay of my list. Not over purchasing cut out the waste, but was a learning experience for me and it took a while to master.
Only buy what you can eat in 3 to 4 days at a time. This may be harder if you have kids at home, they can eat you out of house and home. You will have to adjust this to fit your family situation.
For exercise…I parked as far away from the store as possible. Those extra steps burn calories, raised my heart rate and got that fat burning stove called my metabolism fired up. 🙂
By the time I finished shopping, packed up the groceries and got back to the car, I felt awesome, ready to take on the world.
After putting the groceries away, I called my girlfriend and reported in. She was proud of me, and I was so excited that I jumped right in and started the laundry, changed the bedding and started on my to do list.
It's amazing how once our metabolism kicks in we feel better, have more energy and our mood is elevated, too.
My hope is that you have gleaned some valuable weight management tips from this information and will put it to use immediately. Your health is important for you, your family and loved ones and the world, too.
If you need a friend to hold you accountable and you are struggling to find one, I'd be honored to join you on your journey of losing weight.
Want more tips like those in this post? Get your free report on how to wake up different tomorrow aboveon the right hand side of page.
Each week you will receive valuable health tips and tools to use to take care of your health and enjoy vibrant, good health today and forever!
Here to Serve,
Carla J Gardiner
p.s. we love hearing from you, leave your comments below…
Carla Gardiner is a dedicated wife, mom, and proud grammy of 8 who has transformed her life through strategic email and digital marketing. After overcoming the challenges of network marketing, Carla found success in the digital realm and is now on a mission to empower others with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial freedom. She specializes in helping women transition from burnout to thriving by leveraging automated systems and proven marketing strategies.
Since 2010, Carla has shared her journey as The Fiery Grandma, offering inspiration and practical advice on digital marketing and online business growth. Join Carla and discover how you can regain control of your time, increase your income, and live life to the fullest with her step-by-step guidance and personalized support.
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"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla".
Pat Moon
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"!
ENO Nsima-Obot MD
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style!
Ronae Jull
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down.
Angela Brooks
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear".
Susan Daniels
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."