Paula Deen's Weight Loss Success

Ahh... comfort food and Paula Deen. They seem to go hand in hand, so what would prompt this famous Southern lady to lose weight? Her diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes last year was shocking enough to push her into creating a healthier lifestyle for herself and her family.

Source: Woman's Day

The Food Network star has eventually over the last year or so shed an amazing 40lbs. Paula's trimmer figure has also helped her encompass a new attitude towards food and effect the lively hood of her family and friends.

"If you make a few small changes, they can add up to big results." - PEOPLE Magazine quote -

Source: Woman's Day Online

This week's issue of PEOPLE Magazine described what happened when the 66-year-old Food Network star invited PEOPLE Magazine into her Savannah home. Not only did Paula lose weight, but her success trickled down to her family members.

While in Paula's house, Paula shared food and health strategies that her family has adopted with PEOPLE. Paula's family lost an amazing 178lbs. total.

• Deen's husband, Michael Groover, lost 60 lbs.
• Her oldest son Jamie shed 45 lbs.
• Her youngest son Bobby maintained his 33-lb. loss.

Source: POP Sugar

How did they do it?

1. they figured out a diet/meal plan that works for them
2. they based their diet plan on their schedule and lifestyle needs
3. she cut down on carbs
4. cut back on portions sizes
5. doubled up on greens and veggies

Take a Vacation & Loose Weight! Part 1

5 Parts to: How to take a vacation and loose weight or maintain weight (Part 1)

The weight loss epidemic has prompted many thoughts, products and weight loss tips. Really weight loss is a choice, and a choice that needs to be reflected in everyday activities. Including travel. Travel and holidays give way to weight gain and an emotional struggle that can last for months after the actual holiday or vacation.

Image courtesy of Inspire Fit Resorts

I recall a good friend of mine feeling great angst after returning from a cruise, where she mentioned there wasn't much to do but eat. Unfortunately she gained an additional 7 pounds that she had been struggling with for some\time to keep off. Keep in mind it took her another 2-3 months to loose the weight she gained in just a week.

Leaving us with a few questions (before I address the travel aspect):

1. If you are "struggling" with weight loss, why?
2. Are there unresolved issues that have not been dealt with, causing a constant struggle and an emotional drain?
3. Is your life not set up to encourage a healthy lifestyle?
4. Are you using eating as an emotional crutch to avoid present day problems?

After years of struggling and observing feelings associated with weight and weight loss, the conclusion? Overeating, anorexia, bulimia and pill popping are associated with an emotional and spiritual imbalance.

Using weight loss pills or going on a diet just addresses the surface problems and leaves you with the feeling of always being one step away from gaining weight. All of this is not your fault and you are not a victim. In simple terms, the only way to change your weight situation is to change your mind! Change the way you see things and the way you think.

Additionally change your life to meet your healthy needs, including good food and exercise. Do it for yourself, because you are tired of feeling awful and embarrassed and wearing clothes to cover yourself up. That's it, I will now write about travel and acceptable forms that encourage your healthy weight loss or just travel to help you maintain your weight. Stay tuned for Part 2 of Take a Vacation & Loose Weight!