There comes a point when we look in the mirror and ask ourselves, "Is that REALLY me?"  If we can, honestly, look into that mirror and decide we WANT to continue on this way, likely to gain 5 - 10 pounds more, each and every year, then so be it...

If we, truly, wish to become healthy, we WILL purpose to make a permanent change... and we WILL stick to it.  THERE IS NO IN-BETWEEN. 

To be successful, we must decide to just DO what needs doing!  No more excuses.  No more looking into that mirror - hating what we see, yet "loving" the food combinations which brought us to this point.

As an Admin for Trim Health Mama, I see common excuses posted regularly… and, in an effort to be “real” with you, most of these excuses are simply what we say when we wish to avoid taking the responsibility for our own health.  I do not write this in judgment, but because I have walked this journey before you.

“IT TAKES TOO MUCH TIME TO COOK!” 
Nope.  Better review that recipe section again!  Implementing Trim Healthy Mama correctly, we can make up a healthy snack or meal in a matter of minutes.  In other words, we can make a healthy meal in the time it takes to scarf down a bowl of Fruit Loops...  So "scheduling", honestly, isn't a valid excuse. 

Of course, for those who love the kitchen, THM is not just about “convenience”.   In the instance you desire something "incredible”, you can spend all day in the kitchen, whipping up mouthwatering masterpieces – worthy of serving your family, friends... the first course to disappear at potlucks!
 
“MY <INSERT HEALTH ISSUE> IS WHY I HAVE GAINED WEIGHT!”
Overweight or obese people often use an injury or illness as the excuse for their weight-gain, and/or their inability to lose.  Again, no judgment, as I have been here myself. 

The truth is, we simply must get past the excuse stage and face REALITY:  Most of us are overweight and/or obese, not specifically because of a health issue or an inability to exercise - but because of our OWN choices. 

Eating correctly does NOT require the ability to run a 5K; hike a tall mountain; do kettle-bells; T-Tap...  Quite frankly, eating correctly doesn't even require the ability to walk!  "HEALTH" simply demands that we put the right food into our mouths... and stop consuming the foods which put us into this unhealthy state.

“IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE!”
I completely understand financial limitations -- but I am also here to tell you, there ARE ways to make THM work - even on an exceptionally tight budget.  Protein provides stamina that cheap, empty carbs do not.  I may be able to purchase a bag of chips for less than the cost of 3 eggs and veggies… but the healthy option will carry me far longer than empty carbs/sugars.  In honesty, it requires LESS healthy food to satiate hunger, while nourishing and healing the body.

"OFF-PLAN FOODS AND CHEATS ARE NOT MY PROBLEM!”
I can tell you from experience, wrong food combinations are, indeed, what brought you here - and if you are continuing to bring these foods to your lips, this practice is, indeed, causing your health issues.

Some people state the THM portion-sizes are the true culprit for stalls and/or weight gain...  Perhaps you are simply not eating commonsense portions?  There is no need to feel "hungry" or "deprived" on THM, as portions are incredibly generous... but some people DO struggle with serious over-eating.  If you are doubling portions or eating multiple portions of dessert... then take the time to drink a tall glass of GGMS or a Shrinker before your snacks and meals.  Beginning your meal well-hydrated WILL gratify with smaller food portions.

“BUT I JUST CAN’T PASS UP <CHIPS, CAKE, SODA, FRIES, COOKIES, CANDY>!”
When you look in that full-length mirror, do you feel happy with the reflection looking back at you?  Are you “trim” and “healthy”?  "Who do you want to see... and who do you want to be?"

Temptation is nothing but a thing to say, "NO!" to.  So you are craving something unhealthy?  SO WHAT!?  Put something healthy in its place.  Your body will soon crave what truly nourishes it.!

TRUTH
We have a terrific, successful food-guideline with Trim Healthy Mama... so, regardless of schedules, most health issues, finances and other peoples' influences, WE are the ones in control of what we stuff into our mouths.

Being honest with yourself is the first step...  A trimmer, healthier YOU is just a decision away.

Jaque

Ok, so "Zesty" and "Zucchini" might not sound like they go together, but let me assure you... When it comes to pleasing a large family, these are a winner! 

We like to serve these with RunAmok Mama's Parmesan Pork Spareribs, because they use the same base coating, and really add a nice flair to mealtime!  Sooooo easy, and the family thinks I worked extra hard.  <wink>

As an administrator on the Trim Healthy Mama facebook forum, I often see questions regarding weight-loss stalls (and perceived stalls.) The following will help you decipher IF you are experiencing a stall, and if so, help trouble-shoot the cause...

First, it is vitally important to be sure we are going for a truly healthy weight goal. Often we ladies (and, YES, men as well!) think we need to lose more than we actually should - so the body puts up a terrible fight, desperate to hold on to those last "stubborn" pounds... not because it is just being difficult, but because we actually NEED those pounds to be held as a "reserve", in case we become seriously ill or stressed.

Other times, the body just needs to take a break from the weight-loss, as processing fats (and the years' worth of stored toxins released as we lose weight) can be quite hard on the organs. A little time (a month, two months, or even a bit longer) can make all the difference.

Now, if we are certain those last pounds are not just "vanity" pounds, and we are reasonably sure our system has not been overloaded by quick or extreme weight-loss, and then we can look more closely at the situation.  Ask yourself these questions:

Am I eating enough?
Am I focusing on whole foods, or eating a lot of "convenience" foods?
Am I eating enough protein?
Am I eating enough E meals/snacks?
Am I eating too many heavy S meals?
Am I eating a lot of dairy?
Am I eating a lot of nuts?
Am I eating a lot of store-bought "bread" products?
Am I spacing my meals/snacks 3 hours apart? (Even FP)
Am I exercising at all?
Am I exercising TOO MUCH??
Am I fueling properly when I do exercise?

While each person is different, any/all of these listed can cause a stall for certain individuals.

When facing a true stall, it can be beneficial to re-read the first chapters of the book ("Trim Healthy Mama"), covering S, E, & FP... If nothing jumps out at you as a potential problem, then the Fuel Cycle chapter is wonderful for trouble-shooting, as are the chapters covering exercise and hormones.

CALCULATING “IDEAL” WEIGHT
Our "ideal" weight should be based on several factors... and comparing from one person to the next, even for those of the same height, is never an accurate measure.  Frame-size and natural muscle mass should both be taken into account, as some have petite skeletal frames, some medium, others larger... and the amount of muscle carried on each frame will vary significantly.

There are online programs which help a person determine ideal weight by measuring wrist and neck sizes, calculating muscle mass versus fat, etc. Some of these must be reevaluated if a person starts off quite overweight, as the measurements will not be completely accurate.

One of my favorite write ups on determining ideal weight can be found here:  http://seethebluesky.blogspot.com/p/how-to-find-your-goal-weight.html

AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT
*If your friends, family, acquaintances and such tell you that you should not lose more weight, it is really a good idea to have your doctor give you an unbiased evaluation before continuing to try and lose.

Hope this helps!
Jaque