I just read an article in Ad Age entitled, Does This Economy Make My Butt Look Big? It talks about how many of the various weight loss programs are suffering as people have less money to spend. I imagine that gyms are getting fewer people as well. People can spend less on losing weight so they might now be packing on more pounds.

So now we have another excuse for gaining weight!

I found that whole idea a shame. Many people use companies like Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig to manage their weight but haven’t learned a lot of what they teach. Don’t get me wrong, I think these organizations are terrific and help many people. They teach a healthier way of eating and viewing food. But it’s hard to grasp why people would give up on themselves if they have to stop going. I truly hope this isn’t happening on a large scale (pun intended!).

It’s hard to take weight off and maintain the loss if you don’t feel good about you, with or without support.

As I worked on loving myself more and building better self-esteem, losing weight became easier. I control my eating for the sake of being self-loving, not just to look better for others. It’s for ME! I want good health and to feel good. Carrying around extra pounds doesn’t feel as good. It’s so important to take the lessons you learned from whatever support you may get and use it even if you’re on your own.

Organizations that help you lose weight, or to get anything else under control should be used as a learning tool, not a crutch.

When you love yourself and want to feel good, you have the best motivation. When my personal trainer isn’t around (or I want to save a few bucks one week), I work out myself. I know how to. Yes, it’s more helpful when he’s there pushing me to new heights or spotting me on the weights. But I know enough not to give up if he’s not there.

With money tighter and the economy bad, I’ve actually made it work in my favor and have lost more weight!

Being budget conscious, I’ve used the economy as an “excuse” to cut back on my more calorie laden eating. In restaurants, I eat less and take more home. I’ll add veggies if necessary or some beans. etc. to have healthier substance to make a second meal. It’s led to eating smaller portions of red meat (which I don’t eat much of anymore) and chicken. As I slowly cut back on my portion sizes, I noticed a small weight loss. I’ve actually been spending less money too!

I didn’t do this to lose weight. I just saw prices going up in restaurants and at the supermarket, and wanted to be more economical.

It’s YOUR choice to eat healthier, less, or more. When you truly love yourself and want to get into better shape, go to a mirror and say, “I love you and want to make you healthier.” Reinforce it as an affirmation until you believe it. Go to Weight Watchers, etc. when you can. But don’t look for excuses to eat more or more unhealthy. That’s YOUR decision, not your fate because the economy isn’t good.

Find ways to take advantage of the bad economy instead of lamenting it. I now prefer my smaller portions, and the results. Americans eat way too much anyway!

If you change your lifestyle a little to flow with the rising prices, you can find alternative ways to feel good in a not so good environment. It begins with changing your perception of what’s going on and looking for the good in what’s not so good. You can if you don’t let it get you down. Because I’m happy, I feel no lack in these days of a bad economy. Except for a few pounds I didn’t need!

If you enjoyed my post, please leave a comment and/or click on the bookmark and write a short review at some of the sites, especially Stumbleupon and Digg. Thanks!

var addthis_pub = ‘wryter’;