by Char Brar

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The spring season brings a lot of cheer and happiness along with the message that summer is on its way, and we won't need to layer up anymore. While on one side the thought of swim suits and shorts takes some people on shopping sprees, there are others who start to worry about the extra pounds they gained over the winter. Success to dieting, compliance or anything in life comes easier and faster when you believe truly and sincerely that you are in control or that you are in-charge. It is true that we all want to look our best in the summer clothes and will do almost anything to be a size six; however your main goal should be to get healthy and reach your recommended body mass index (BMI). All of us are different and have different statures and body structures, so do not get disheartened if you don't look like your idol, which brings me to the dieting tips with the most important being -#1:

1. Love yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin. God made everyone beautiful in their own ways, and it is our job to keep our bodies healthy and in shape. There are certain changes that will occur in our body with age, but when you love and take care of your body it rewards you in many ways such as looking young and staying free of or by keeping control of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other diseases related to depression and low self-esteem.

2. You need a healthy mind to keep a healthy body. It is your mind and body, and you CAN make them do whatever you want them to do. Always talk positively to yourself. Practice, and trust me it takes a lot of practice (and in the end it is all worth acquiring the better habit) being positive. One way you can learn being positive is by removing negative words from your vocabulary. Instead of saying "I can't" try saying "it is hard, but I can do it". This way you acknowledge your fear that doing something other than your routine is hard, but possible (instead of NOT impossible).

3. On a piece of paper your reason as to why you want to diet. Is it to look smaller, or to control hypertension, diabetes, or other health problems? Whatever the reason write it down in large size and then at the bottom write "I CAN". After that take it and put it on your bathroom mirror. This way you will reinforce this promise to yourself whenever you will use the bathroom, especially in the morning and at night before going to bed.

4. Next set a goal as to what you want to do, for example, lose weight or inches. It is always better to go for inches,

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