Bea Loozer

You want to lose weight, right? If someone offers you a peanut butter cup which is going to put you in a weight-loss mode: “I can’t eat peanut butter cups” or “I don’t eat peanut butter cups.” Another option would be to say to yourself, “I choose not to eat peanut butter cups” or if someone offers one, simply say, “No thanks.”

Personally, I just find it easier to stay in the right frame of mind when I think of my actions as choices. “I can’t” means I have no choice. It might be true that it’s very detrimental to my health to eat a peanut butter cup if I have a severe peanut allergy, but short of that, it really is my choice whether to eat it or pass it up.

Words do matter, even in weight loss. Here are some words that Goalies think might help us eat smarter: wait, later, satisfied, choose, focus, permit.

And here are some to help us get back on track: forgive, trust, accept, commit.

Here are a few words to help us work our bodies: move, act, stretch, strength.

Here are some that help us in general: relax, smile, encourage, contentment, pray, listen and TODAY.

Let’s also remember that “I’m not hungry” is actually true sometimes. I don’t think I’m the only one who sometimes eats out of habit or because of our tempting holiday foods rather than from hunger.

In November our members have a special challenge. We weigh in the Saturday before Thanksgiving and try to stay at that weight or lower through the holidays for our weigh-in that takes place the Saturday after New Year’s Day. You might be surprised how many in this group are successful at that challenge.

And just to end on a light note, here’s what Cher had to say about fitness, “If it came in a bottle, everybody would have a great body.” Vegetable smoothie, anyone?

Join our group for the support and encouragement you need, as well as some good laughs. The November holiday challenge makes this a good month to join. Weigh-in is between 7:00-7:40 a.m. in the Mirror Room of Sun Lakes Country Club. The meeting starts after weigh-in next-door in the Friendship Room. Contact Rita at 895-2559 for more information.