Ten Ways to Get a Handle on Weight
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!