HOW TO LOOSE LOTS OF WEIGHT

***FIVE SECRETS OF MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS***

There's no question that losing weight is hard, and keeping it off is even harder. But it's NOT impossible. The National Weight Control Registry lists thousands of people who have lost over 50 pounds and kept if off. Here are five secrets to help you do the same . . .

#1.) MAKE RADICAL CHANGES. People think SMALL changes in their diet are easier to stick with than DRASTIC ones. But it's just not true. Overeating is an addiction. You wouldn't tell an alcoholic to stay sober all week, then give him a cocktail as a reward, would you?

#2.) REPROGRAM YOUR BRAIN. Losing real weight means developing new eating habits . . . like reaching for an orange instead of an Oreo. The first 72 hours are the hardest, but then, the cravings start to subside and controlling your eating becomes more automatic.

#3.) EAT BREAKFAST. Without it, your body plunges into starvation mode, slowing your metabolism and tempting you to binge later. In fact, over 78 percent of people who have lost more than 50 pounds . . . and continue to keep it off . . . eat breakfast every day.

#4.) EXERCISE LIKE YOU MEAN IT. An evening walk every other day is refreshing, but if you're really trying to lose weight, it WON'T cut it. Ninety percent of people who lose major weight have to exercise for a full hour most days of the week.

#5.) STRETCH YOUR MIND. Stop living on autopilot. A study shows that people who push their comfort zones and try new things . . . like reading a different magazine or listening to new music . . . are more likely to lose weight and keep it off.

--Breaking out of your routine will make you more aware of your choices in general . . . and less likely to engage in mindless eating. (Psychology Today Magazine)