by Summer18

Created on: October 05, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Jump starting any responsible diet takes thought, effort and sublime motivation. Definitely not an easy task to undertake in the beginning. Sometimes, even seeming overwhelming at just the thought of having to change your carefree routine. But diet we must. Otherwise, diabetes, bad knees and high blood pressure will be our new worries, and much more difficult to overcome.

During times where multi-tasking is the norm, stress levels to the roof and being overworked is the common thread among us, watching what you eat and working out doesn't seem to be a top priority. Never mind trying to fit into a busy schedule, it seems near impossible. But time has a way of passing quickly, and the moment you find yourself innocently checking your rear view reflection, the aftershock might lead to an emotional meltdown, leaving you dazed and confused. How in the world did your weight escalate to such an alarming number, and seemingly over night?

Take a step back, breathe in deeply and understand that it can happen to the best of us. The time has come to embrace the ultimate challenge, taking your well-being firmly into your own hands.
The Basics
Triggers
The first course of action should be to understand your overeating triggers. A trigger is set off when certain eating habits become associated with certain anticipations. I know that, personally, when I'm spending time with my sisters, we all become insatiable, senseless zombies. Every one of us, and I have three lovely sisters to attest to this madness. We have always had a strange and enormous appetite when seated next to each other. Appearing to share a single-track mindset of "who can out eat who". It's a never-ending pie contest minus the blue ribbon. A disturbing scene to witness, and I'm sure many jaded waiters secretly become shocked at our scandalous display of manic consumption. ::sigh:: I know, not pretty.

Therefore, identifying the traps, and predicting glitches before they appear, can help enormously. Other possible triggers to overeating might also be certain places, particular times, stress and boredom. Sadness, anger, and even euphoric happiness, can lull you into thinking you hear an entire box of "chunky monkey" calling your name. All play havoc, and identifying the source of sabotage is crucial. In other words, kill the craving.
Cravings
Cravings can attack without warning and just when you're actually beginning to see progress. If you understand that the mind takes about 15 minutes to process when it's full, it

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