"I´m fat, I´m ugly, I´m down!
Thanks God I have a sense of humour..."

My name is Jana. I have one child which could be a good excuse for my overweight, but unfortunately my BMI was a little higher also before I got pregnant. So there is no excuse. My experiments to lose weight have always finished with two words: "...by tomorrow...". An interesting diet, what do you think? And how much do you think I lost? Nothing! The scale even showed more as before! The experts call it Yo-Yo efect I guess. So after all the failed diets I have decided to begin again. Recently I´ve read that losing weight must begin in mind. So this time I try it with the most important ingredient: positive thinking.

...by tomorrow...

WHAT SHOULD I DO???

Do you have a similar problem? I have collected various advices. Look what experienced people suggest:

Relax!

Some people binge when they're stressed. A Yale University study found that women who secreted the most cortisol (a hormone released during stress) ate the most high-fat food after stress. The combination of cortisol and insulin prompts the body to store fat in preparation for possible starvation -- just what you don't need. If stress has a stronghold on your life, try learning yoga, meditation, or simple breathing exercises.

Give yourself a break

No one says you have to reach your goal without making mistakes along the way. Tell yourself you can succeed in losing weight by taking things one step at a time and starting fresh whenever you slip up. If you overeat one night, just get back on track in the morning by focusing on what's worked for you in the past.

Think positively

Experts note that low self-esteem is a major cause of overeating. Train yourself to focus on your best points rather than your weak spots. Buy clothes that fit and flatter you at your current weight. Update your hairstyle and get a makeup consultation so you feel attractive today.

Have a "party plan"

When attending a party, offer to bring a plate. Arriving armed with chopped fresh veggies and a low-fat dip -- or any other low-calorie snack -- ensures that you'll have something to snack on without feeling guilty.

Make smart substitutions

Look for nutritious low-calorie alternatives to sugary, high-fat treats. Try frozen grapes instead of candy. Use air-popped popcorn instead of oil-popped. Dip fresh strawberries in fat-free fudge sauce for a sensuous chocolaty treat.

Learn how to measure

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes. Pull out the measuring spoons and cups, especially for full-fat salad dressings, dairy foods and mayo.

Up your protein (a little)

Research suggests that protein prolongs the feeling of fullness better than carbohydrates or fats do. Studies in Scotland, Denmark, Sweden and England found that people who ate a high-protein breakfast or lunch were less hungry at their next meal. Protein also requires a few more calories to digest. Just don't go overboard. Stick to low-fat protein sources like low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese, low-fat soy drinks or snacks, or thinly sliced turkey breast.