Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor: Weight Watchers has a "tool for living" known as "positive self-talking." It recommends you have a positive self-talk anytime you:
Eat because of low self-esteem.
Beating yourself up or blaming yourself when you go off-course.
Are discouraged because you've suffered a setback.
Are put down by friends or family.
Are overwhelmed by a challenge or obstacle.
My eating habits fell off while my husband was in the hospital. (One morning, when the cafeteria was closed, I ate a vending machine sticky bun only to discover, to my horror, that it contained 509 calories!) A loved-one's illness is discouraging and can be overwhelming - so, in a way, I fit categories three and five. So, here is my "positive self-talk:"
I'm in much better shape for life's challenges because I'm no longer overweight. ... A few extra ounces are a temporary bump in the road and will be easy to overcome. ... I will keep the pounds off because I am (as the website states) "capable and determined" when I have a goal.
How do you talk yourself into success? Share your positive self-talk at tinyurl.com/3jraouy and be entered into a drawing for your choice of a fitness DVD or the book "Hot Sweaty Mamas: Five Secrets to Life as a Fit Mom."
Life gets in the way
Community blogger Alan Foster writes: My last post indicated I was going to attempt the "17-Day Diet" as outlined in the book by Dr. Mike Moreno. [It includes drinking green tea.] Well, I was soon reminded why I don't like diets.
My wife and I marked our 25th wedding anniversary and as with most celebrations, there's food involved. Needless to say, I fell off the diet a time or three. Perhaps things will get easier. But I think I'll keep it to a 7-day diet.
I'm going on a three-day golf trip with some old work buddies. The only green tea I hope to see is the green tee on which I'll be standing!
Make changes, see changes
Community blogger Muriel Watson writes: I am watching everything I eat, and I drink nothing but water.
My friend and I try to bring our lunches to work but on the days that we don't, we visit our favorite pizza shop right next door. I don't even want to think about the carb and sugar grams in pizza, pasta or subs! My new favorite is the grilled chicken salad and a bottle of water. It makes me feel full longer than the pasta and subs did.
I have more energy than before and just feel great all over. I am still tanning and love how the color looks. I am starting to enjoy how I feel and look for the first time in a long time. It feels great.
My kids are reading labels now and passing on the soda or fruit juice for water instead. They have even made their own decision to give up TV time to play outside instead. I am so proud of them!
The critic gives a compliment
Tahira Nyabinghi writes: I am down to 190 pounds and holding steady. I have been walking and eating completely raw foods 80 percent of the time. I still have to deal with my addiction to cheese and coffee.
A mean-spirited person e-mailed to tell me my definition of "having curves" was a nice way of saying I was obese. I said that I was at peace with who I am and felt sorry for him. Some time later, he apologized and said that I was an appealing woman and carried my weight well.
This was a smile for me and validation that sometimes we are so quick to judge before to knowing the full truth.
Follow our community bloggers at blogs.newsobserver.com/dieting.
Get the biggest news in your email or cellphone as it's happening. Sign up for breaking news alerts.
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: What if a pill could trick your body into shedding fat? Would you try it? 
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: The cars lined both sides of the road and filled the parking lot near a neighborhood gym back in January. 
We're giving away a copy of "The New Atkins For a New You Cookbook" and two new Jane Fonda DVDs, "Trim, Tone & Flex" and "Firm & Burn." 
Weight Watchers overhauled its weight-loss plan just over a year ago and is getting mixed reviews. For a story, we'd like to talk with members about their experience, and what they think about the changes. Have they helped you lose weight? 
Andrea Weigl, features reporter, writes: I am now into my fourth week back at work. I have to salute any woman who can juggle motherhood, full-time work, breast-feeding and exercise. I haven't been able to do it. 
With the new year, we introduce some new members of the Turning the Scales team. They are beginning to share their stories at blogs.news observer.com/turningthescales , and you'll hear more from them here in coming weeks. 
Our three community bloggers made great progress toward their goals in 2011. They reflect today on their successes and share tips to help you slim down and get fit. 
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: Congratulations to winners of the fitness DVD drawing. 
Carole Tanzer Miller, features editor, writes: Who couldn't use 50 great tips to help you live a long, happy and healthy life? Writer Sophie Keller has compiled them into a new book titled "How Happy Is Your Health?" Keep up with the latest stories with our free local news e-mail newsletters, delivered straight to your inbox!
Subscribe to Afternoon Update - it's free!
Subscribe to Breaking News - it's free!
Subscribe to Local & State News - it's free!
Subscribe to Today at a Glance - it's free!
Subscribe to Crime & Safety - it's free!
Subscribe to Education - it's free!
Subscribe to Health & Science - it's free!
