[Sun]

[B]Hi All!

What a great thread. Wish I had dropped in here in the Spring.

Been steadily losing weight and hit a block a few weeks back when some personal stress kicked up. Went from no appetite to feeling insatiable hunger. Emotional response to stress. Then back to no appetite. Which for me is very rare because I am almost always hungry.

Thought I would share a few things that work for me for anyone who may be struggling. These are just things that I have learned along the way that helped a lot. Trust me I am not an expert here, just the student, but some of these tips made all the difference in the world. I am down 45 lbs since April. Still every day is a challenge, but over time, habits change and it gets a little easier.

Affirmations: Put your intention out there. This could be in the form or prayer, mantra, whatever works for you. This helps me to connect my mind with my body.

Water: try drinking some room temp water or better yet hot tea before during and after your meal. This will help the food to digest and keep you hydrated. Do not drink cold beverages with a meal. The fat content of food will have a harder time breaking down. Green tea is a great beverage and it is available in decaf.

Boost your metabolism: Add hot sauce or hot peppers to kick up your metabolism.

Jumping jacks: No lie.. I have to thank my ex gf for this tip because it really works. If you are able to, try doing some jumping jacks before a meal and then again after (wait awhile to start digesting your food). This boosts up your metabolism as well.

Move around: Probably the biggest change for me. Get up and move around after a meal. Do not sit.

Digestive enzymes: Only you can know how well you are digesting food. Foods like papaya and pineapple will help you to digest as they contain natural digestive enzymes. Since these fruits are hard to come by in many places try getting chewable tablets instead. The acidophilus in yogurt is also helpful for replacing digestive flora. Acidophilus can be taken in capsule form. The brand "Natures Way" produces a few good products.

Visualize: Think success. See yourself accomplishing your goals. See the # on the scale that you want to get to. Send positive messages to your body and your body will respond.

I wish you all the best on this journey. /B]