Is there really a quick, easy, and natural way to lose

weight? Danged if I know! What I am very aware of is that this

64 year young male had open heart surgery a couple of years ago,

and the great folks who saved my life told me I had to keep all

of the weight off that I lost while in the hospital.

Well, it did work for a while, but before I even realized

it, I was 30 pounds over again. Not good! So back to the

"joint," as I called the exercise room, I went, and sure enough,

the weight began to drop, and the muscles began to bulge. And

sure enough, I backed off of the exercise program, and I seem to

blow up again. Not sure about you, but it sure does get awful

depressing sometimes.

Naturally, I had to do something that would get rid of all

that fat, and give me back my teenage body. However, a little

voice deep down in all of the synaptic connections in my brain

keep telling me that I lost my teenage body a long time ago...

and the mirror at home doesn't lie to me either.

Hopping in my nifty vehicle, I drove to the library, grabbed

about 10 books on the subject of losing weight, and headed out to

the countryside. Having all of the necessary equipment, I

pitched my tent and camped out for the next two weeks reading all

of those books...ok, so I didn't go through all that, but I did

go on-line and read quite a bit over three or four days. The

over-riding discovery I made was that losing weight is very

similar to science. We might be able to adjust a few minor

things here and there, but if we truly wish to lose fat in a

healthy manner, there are certain absolute little rituals we have

to go through.

One little thing we have to do is cut down on our intake of

all those tiny creepy creatures I refer to as calories. Whether

we like it or not, we have to push away all the nasty cakes,

chocolates, pies, sodas, etc., for they are absolutely crammed

full of all types of unwanted fat.

My happy self has never liked beer, but do have to admit

that I love other types of alcohol...and that is why I never

partake of the stuff...I like it too much! And yes, once again,

I am the bearer of bad news---if you wish to drop some

un-necessary body weight, you will also have to get rid of the

habit of imbibing lots of alcohol.

And yep, you will also have to stop smoking...as we are all

aware of the "evils" of smoking, I will not have to be too much

of the bearer of bad news on this subject. It ranks as a no-no

right up there with alcohol consumption.

Enough of the negative stuff! How about what I consider

wonderful ideas on why we should lose the weight...you already

know of all the health reasons, so I thought I would throw in a

few good "spice" reasons.

First, go on the web and look up all of the beautiful scenic

pictures of mother nature....mountains, valleys, flowers,

forests, deserts, trees, oceans, and there is so much more I

could not possibly name them all here. As you gaze at all of

that fabulous beauty, relax by taking a few deep breaths, close

your eyes, and attempt to picture yourself there among it.

Second, think of something you would really like to do right

now...maybe swimming, running, or even camping out on the desert

and being awed by all of the stars. The one activity I enjoy

pursuing is dancing.

This one I have always held dear to my heart, and I know you

will too. You and your loved one load up a very small table, a

white cloth, some wondrous mood music, and no matter how far you

have to go, take off in enough time that you will arrive just a

little after daylight along a nice open area along a lake, river,

or ocean. Once you arrive, set everything up outside your

vehicle along the water, open the doors, put on the slow music

and dance a waltz or two under the stars. I guarantee you, you

will always remember it.

And please remember this---there are people who love you,

and want you around for a long, long time!