How to Lose Weight, Without Losing Your Mind!

Alright, now I put myself out there... it's deliver time!

Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Sam Prindle. My wife and I live in Maine with 4 of our kids, and life is pretty awesome. I'm no expert in food and nutrition. But I've been my own self-experiment for about 7 years now. Not everyone would applaud my methods, nor would the FDA seek me out for approval. But, after many failed attempts, I finally feel that I've figured this thing out.

For the past three years, I've written down everything I've eaten and drank. Odd, yes I know. I wasn't really sure why I was doing it... but I knew that someday it would come in handy.

In 2013, everything has come full circle. I've shed body fat and feel fantastic.

Also, I have always had a passion for people. I would really like to help people that are struggling with their weight. There are many methods out there, and it can be very overwhelming and expensive sampling each one.

I honestly don't recommend pills of any kind. Please no appetite suppressants or fat burners. No prepackaged meals, no bird portions, no easy button.

I promise, you can regain your physique from years ago, or start anew right now. All you need is an honest commitment and some basic tools.

Here's the (not so secret) secret: You must eat real food... good food. Food that doesn't come in a box or available through a drive-through (at least to start).

Don't roll your eyes and give up on me when you hear step one. Ready?

Step One: Count calories!

(You promised not to leave me! Stay with me... it's painless).

Here's my argument for counting calories. You need to. Not counting calories is like not keeping track of your bank account. Could you imagine making random deposits and withdrawals and never keeping track? Precisely! Believe me, you'll get used to it and the info will be vital to your progress.

In today's world, just about everyone has a smart phone or computer. I highly recommend using apps like FitTracker or MyFitnessPal to help you keep track. Their websites are easy to find, too.

Step Two: Weigh and measure yourself once a week and record your results.

Step Three: Don't be in a hurry. You're designing a nutritional program for life, not the next month.

Step Four: Take a very unflattering "before" picture. Have someone take a front, side, and back view. This will be incredible enlightening. Also, take a gander at it if you're tempted to go over splurge "deep end".

Helpful hints:

1. As a matter of psychology, tell yourself that you can eat anything, anytime you want. Food choices that aren't the best; tell yourself you choose not to have it, not that you can't. (Anytime you tell yourself you can't have something, you want it even more... you know this!)

2. Try these beginner parameters: Think weekly. Don't limit your calories too much daily. Let's try 2,000 calories on average to start - 14,000 calories a week. Also, try to keep your sugar grams around 75, and your carbs around 200. (Don't worry if you don't know what all this stuff means.)

3. Don't overthink this!

4. Once you get into this, you'll realize how many bad foods have a lot of calories and you could easily burn through 2,000 quickly. "Better for you" foods don't usually have a lot of calories, carbs, or sugars.

5. Eat anytime you're hungry, but don't gorge yourself. Starving never works.

6. Shoot for protein at every meal or snack. I consume a lot of steak, chicken, fish, vegetables, protein shakes, and water. I'm always satisfied and truly enjoy eating great food.

7. Forget low fat! Use real butter and shoot for foods that don't have a lot of ingredients that you cannot pronounce.

With all that said, here's your action plan:

A) Take your before pictures
B) Weigh and measure yourself and record your results. You will only do this once a week. Do this the same time and day of the week. For example, I weigh right after I get up on Monday mornings. My wife and I measure before breakfast.
C) Use an online program or smartphone to record your calories.
D) You can eat anytime you want, just don't exceed 14,000 calories for the week. Try to consume at least 60g of protein a day, 200g carbs or less a day, and sugars around 75g or less per day.

Let's start with that. This will be part one. Believe me, the premise is simple, but the execution may not be easy. If I can do it, anyone can! I would love to feature your success story on http://whatisnutrition.org

Feel free to contact me if you get hung up on any part of this. I do read all mail and will respond. My sincere mission is to help. I'm available through my website http://whatisnutrition.org Good luck!

Author: Sam Prondle