When you go to the doctor's office, there are pamphlets about the signs and symptoms of obesity.
On the web, there is article after article about how to lose weight and keep it off.
In the line at the grocery store, you can read about the latest fad diet.
Not only are we an overweight society in general.
I think we are obsessed about not becoming overweight.
That's why 100 calorie pack snacks are so popular and XXL shirts are ordered more than any other size.
With all that in mind, you'd think we'd be glued to the bathroom scale.
And yet, we aren't.
The scale is a tool we use gauge our progress.
But we have many other tools in our fight against obesity.
How our clothes fit is the #1 way people gauge their weight.
If the pants are too tight, we try to cut back on the dessert.
If the shirt is a little looser, we feel like our deprivation is working.
A belt is the next biggest indicator, probably because it's the first to go when weight is gained.
Some people even go so far as having two sets of clothes--their skinny clothes and their fat clothes.
This really tells the story! How we look in the mirror is another tool.
Does my face look more round than usual? Can you see my cheekbones? Do I look good in my swimsuit? These help us monitor our progress or lack thereof.
However, a sweet comment from a friend is the greatest boost to our fight against weight gain.
When someone actually notices our hard work, it's wonderful! Why does it seem like gaining weight is so easy but losing weight is really hard? It's partly because food is everywhere! It's so part of our American culture to have sweets around every corner.
When there is a birthday, we think we need a cake.
We think we need Girl Scout cookies and donuts at the office.
Valentine's Day, Easter and Halloween all require candy.
And what is a holiday all about if it's not side dish after side dish? Your children will be bribed with food and you will be tempted by it.
But there are a few tricks we can do to try and avoid every snack and treat that is offered or at least counteract the one you ate.
Make food deals with yourself.
I'm sure you've done it when you are shopping for clothes.
"If I don't buy this pair of pants, I will have more money to spend on shoes.
" The same principle applies to eating.
If you cut back in one area, you can indulge in another.
Or you can commit to only having certain foods IF you have exercised that day.
It doesn't matter what you do as long as it's a good trade off that really makes you sacrifice.
Just adding a few of these tricks into your daily life can make a different in a year's time.