How many diets have you been on?

It seems like everyone is always on some sort of diet, doesn't it?  How many diets have you been on, say, in the last year or so?  Which plan works best for you?

While I have not been on any formal diet plant, I have done several things that have helped with shedding some unwanted pounds.

1. Drink more water.  In the winter, it is harder for me to drink more water because it makes me colder than I already am. But I realize the importance of staying hydrated keeps my hunger at bay and also helps to keep me more alert.  When I don't have the normal water intake, I immediately notice a certain sluggishness and increased appetite.

2. Drinking green tea.  This helps with keeping me warmer - like I said above drinking cold water all day starts making me feel cold.  Green tea has great anti-oxidant properties and it is great for curbing your appetite.

3. Exercise. Sometimes there just isn't time to get in a regular exercise every day.  I opt for combining exercise with relaxation - perhaps a 3 mile fast walk several times a week.  I find not stressing out about exercising is best for weight loss goals.  I try to fit it in every week several times and if not, well then I get in what I can.

4. Portion control. Go ahead- eat that piece of cake.  Ok, maybe only eat half of that cake.  Cutting down on your portions is a great way to reduce calories while not totally depriving yourself of food.  The real question is do you have the willpower that it takes to do this- only have half a piece of cake or pie?  It might take some work.  See more weight loss and diet tips to get you through the winter months.

Reality check for stomach

As I sit here typing, I glance down at my stomach.  Wow it really does spill over my pants. It's time to do a reality check for my stomach.

(That photo, see left, isn't me- Her stomach looks pretty flat)

Stomach fat and excess weight is some of the hardest to get rid of. It seems like as you diet and exercise the weight falls off other places before it ever hits your stomach.

Some key factors in getting rid of the pouch are:
*Cardio - heavy cardio several times a week are essential to eliminate weight in the middle.  Time to pull out those exercise DVD's, pick up running, lift weights, etc.
*Diet - okay, so cookies, chips, boxes of processed junk, halloween candy and more are not the recommended formula for losing fat.
*Fluids- Plenty of water is very important to keep the body flowing. Time to tap into that water and make it happen
*Stomach exercises- These exercises, i.e. crunches, sit-ups are helpful in toning the muscles of the stomach. In the end you will see a tighter stomach if you do these.

In short, I am now on a mission to get rid of those extra inches around my stomach.  Not only are they unattractive, but also are unhealthy.

What's Your Biggest Obstacle for Weight Loss

Most people struggle with weight loss at some point in their lives.  Some people may take years to find a method or system that they can stick with and make work. Thousands of dollars are spent every year in search for a weight loss diet, plan or regimen to help with getting rid of unwanted weight.

So, what is your biggest obstacle?  Leave your comments below about what you find to be the most challenging part of losing weight.

Is it:
Finding the time to exercise?

Finding the desire to exercise?

Planning meals?

Sticking to a certain amount of calories every day?

Eating healthy?

Finding the time to cook decent, low calorie meals?

Having to cook for  a family that is NOT on a diet?

Motivating yourself to keep going?

Following a strict meal plan? i.e. limited carbs, protein, etc.

Post your biggest obstacle!