Do you often wish
That you could get a handle
On excessive weight?

I enjoy burgers –
Especially with french fries.
Eating’s the culprit!
The average person
Has gained fifteen pounds, they say
During this virus.

No, it’s not because
The average person’s pregnant!
It may be boredom!
Eating’s an escape
From these monotonous days
Of this pandemic.
So how do we control how much, when, and what we eat? And how do we motivate ourselves to get off the couch and get some exercise?

TOPS
Today was my first day back at TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensible)
https://www.tops.org/
since March 11th.
When this pandemic hit, we were not allowed to meet in our usual spot at the Madison Valley Medical Center. We were encouraged to stay home, socially distance, and sequester if needed to stop the spread of this disease. So we did.

Some experienced
Loneliness and depression.
We NEED connection!
But knowing that I
Would eventually go
Back to my TOPS helped.
I did not want to
Disappoint my friends at TOPS
When finally we’d meet.
And I I didn’t want
To balloon back up in weight
To where I once was.

TOPS helped me take off
Those excess pounds I had gained.
Friends encouraged me.
I needed to be
Accountable to my friends –
Weighing in each week.

Charms and ribbons helped
To keep me motivated.
Slowly losing weight!
Don’t try to rush it.
It is the gradual loss
That stays off of you.
Ribbons represent
The number of miles walked.
Exercise is king!
Watching what you eat
And when you plan your meals
Is also a key.

Eat colorfully!
Less on fruit, more on veggies,
And watch your portions!
“Mind Over Platter!”
That is an effective goal.
Use a smaller plate!

If the plate is small,
You can fill it easier –
It looks like a lot!
Don’t snack in between
On things that aren’t good for you!
Choose nuts or carrots!


Today at my TOPS,
After being gone for months,
I was the winner!
The biggest weight loss
Was only a couple pounds!
But I didn’t GAIN!

Each TOPS member is “Most Valuable”
So back to the title, “Ten Ways to Get a Handle on Weight”
Did you catch the main points?
Here they are:
- Watch what, how much and when you eat.
- Exercise Daily.
- Avoid boredom – stay connected!
- Join with friends who share your passion to remain fit.
- Remain accountable to that group of friends.
- Lose weight gradually, don’t rush it.
- Eat colorfully.
- Minimize snacking – and keep it healthy!
- Weigh-in weekly – keep a record.
- Believe in yourself. You can do it! Remain positive!!

Thanks for visiting
JanBeek
See ya tomorrow!
Comments on: "Ten Ways to Get a Handle on Weight" (23)
Brava! Thanks for the great list of reminders. 🙂
Thanks, Lainalainalaina! <3 The smaller plate one really helps me. <3
Which one do you think would be the most helpful for you?
Minimize snacking – and keep it healthy! Snacking is my struggle. Especially late night.
Bravo for the weight loss! I’m proud of you!
Thanks, DeDe. It’s a yoyo road! Now, if I can just KEEP them OFF!!!
Way to go Momma!! So proud of you!❤️
Thanks, Sweetheart! <3 I'm proud of YOU, too!! <3
Way to go sweet Jan! I’m hugging you virtually because I just want to squish you (in love 💕). 💛
Thanks so much, {{{Karla}}} – I feel your loving hug! Hugs back atcha!! <3
💚
More inspiration. I like the biggest loser portrait
Thanks! Have a great day, {{{Derrick}}} <3
Awesome! You inspire me to continue to follow my own healthy lifestyle: exercise, watching carbs, and eliminating sugar. I hope my A1C test will look good in early 2021 when I officially join Medicare.
I’ll pray for those good results for you, {{{Richard}}}. Sounds like you’re on the right track! <3 Yay! Keep it up!!
Good for you Jan!!! Blessings! ♥♥
Congratulations dearest Jan. You are an inspiration ♥️ Your reminders are easily actionable too and I think that’s one of the most critical parts. Our lives are complicated enough! Why add to it?
Sending you my love sweet friend. You are so special. Beautiful, inside and out! ♥️
Oh Holly, thank you so much for your kind comment. You made my day! Have a peace-filled, healthy one yourself! <3
It’s my pleasure, sweet Jan! Praying your week and weekend is filled with love and special memories ♥️
Many thanks, {{{Holly}}}… it certainly has started off better than the week went! <3
Heaven knows I’m grateful to hear that! And believe you me, my friend, I do understand exactly what you mean. The last few weeks have been incredibly difficult. I pray the Son shines ever so brightly on you, lifts your burdens, comforts your heart and brings boundless beauty your way! 🙏🏼
Many thanks, {{{Holly}}} and hugs to you as you move into the weekend and hopefully face fewer difficulties in the week to come. God bless you! <3 Today was a good day for Bob. His sleep last night involved 5 hours of uninterrupted rest… the longest in recent memories. Never underestimate the value of a good night's rest!
<3