Mary Jane's Top Tips

"Here's what helped me reach my goal:"

1. Find the right weight-loss buddy
You want someone who is supportive, but not too supportive. When I’d call my mother and say I was feeling fat, she’d make me feel so unconditionally loved that I’d hang up and immediately start wolfing down chocolate kisses. The instructors at my gym, on the other hand, are always on my side, but they also push me to work my hardest.

2. Move your trash can and telephone to the other side of the room
Every time you walk over to them, you’ll be reminding yourself that you need to move your body.

3. Remember, you’re in control
There’s no weight-loss program in the world that is going to keep your weight off for you. Only you can do that for yourself.

4. Turn to greens for comfort
I’m an emotional eater. But now I keep prewashed lettuce and spinach in the refrigerator, so when I feel the urge to eat because my husband left his wet clothes in the washer or my dog left muddy paw prints on my freshly shampooed rug, I’ll grab that bag of greens to munch on instead of a bag of potato chips.