I recently got this question from a really neat lady who wrote in….
Hi. I need to lose about 50 lbs. I carry it mostly in my abdomen. I hate it. Nothing fits. What should I do??????? Please help. Thank you.
Here is my response…..
Great to hear from you. 
I remember how down I was when I had 50 pounds to lose – sometimes it can feel overwhelming….but don’t despair.
Listen, your life can truly get better if you really want it and if you are willing to make some changes.
I know you can lose the weight, get healthy and you will feel so much better this summer.
You asked my advice….here are a few things…
First, I made a decision to stick with a healthy eating and exercise plan – no more "I’ll start the diet on Monday" thinking. I gained so many darn pounds over the years with my "last suppers" before I would start a new diet so I don’t do that anymore.
Second, I honestly write down everything I eat and every bit of exercise I do in a little notebook every day throughout the day. I think twice about eating unhealthy stuff when I have to be honest in my notebook. Some days I screw up with food but I still write it down — usually with a few notes to myself about getting my act together
Third, I do some kind of exercise every day. I wear a pedometer just like the one on my website
and my goal is 10,000 steps a day or more. I usually walk around my neighborhood or go hiking or walk on a treadmill.
Exercising will help you feel good about yourself — when we are struggling with weight feeling good in your psyche is so important. Plus the exercise helps you burn calories. And when I do my daily exercise, I am happy to write it down in my notebook 
– I celebrate that I did something good for my health! Plus I want to burn those darn calories so I never gain the 50+ pounds back.
Fourth, find a friend that will be your accountability partner. Someone that will encourage you NOT someone who will discourage you. If they want to lose weight with you that is great but it is not a requirement. Check in with your partner at least once a day — call them more often if you are about to lose it with food and eat the fridge — just have someone who has your back, is on your side and wants to see you succeed — if they will exercise with you a couple times a week that is a nice bonus. I go hiking or for walks with my accountability partner and it gives us a chance to visit and to check in with each other.
If you are serious about getting the weight you can do it. Stay in touch and let me know how you are doing – if you have more questions please ask.
Take care and God bless you,
Jana
