Tops

T.,

I went once and was quite put off by their motto/degrading statement of humility they recite at each meeting, and the activities didn't appeal to me. The people were quite nice though. They did have a private weigh in.

Hello T.,

I know very little about TOPS, but what I do know is that if the program is completely focused on food or your mindset is that "this program is going to be hard", then it will likely be unsuccessful. Success comes when you change your behaviors and habits. Success comes when you make baby steps. Progress, not perfection! Smile!!

I am a Nutrition and Wellness Coach and I personally recommend an online program that takes the focus off food, teaches you about the glycemic index and anti-inflammatory eating and empowers you to make small changes to a healthier, happier you! Check it out at www.positivechange4u.com! Here is a $10 off coupon code for you...sign in under "DG Affiliate" and use code B15F!!

Let me know if I can ever do anything for you!

Have a blessed and abundant day,
D.

Hi T.--

My best friend runs a TOPS meeting in Columbus, Ohio. (I'm not sure where you're located.) The following is her response--

Hi! So cool that you are interested in TOPS! I am currently a leader of a
group located in Columbus, Ohio. The TOPS program is a wonderful and
inexpensive way to find support on your weight loss journey!! TOPS does not
support any particular food program but does have numerous tools available to
help with information on calorie counting, the exchange program and etc. If
you go onto www.tops.org you can find the chapter located closest to you and
the meeting times.

The Yearly fee is $26.00 and usually the chapters charge some sort of weekly
fee. The weekly fee is the chapter "petty cash" fund. It is usually 1-2
dollars. My chapter has a weekly fee of $1.00 and we have a fine of 5 cents
per. 1/4 pound gained. Chapters also have rewards for biggest losers of the
week and several other incentive type programs to keep members losing weight!!

Once you find a meeting you would like to attend, you can sit in for one
meeting as a visitor with no obligation to join. If you decide you like it,
you sign up then. Part of your membership also includes the TOPS news, which
is a small magazine. I hopes this answers some of the questions you had
regarding TOPS! :O)

T.:

I grew up going to TOPS meetings with my Mom. My Mom was always fighting her weight growing up and she found TOPS to be very supportive. It is very similiar to Weight Watchers, but I don't think you actually have to weigh in and I don't think that there is an actual plan. From what I remember, it was really a support group for people to discuss their struggle with weight and offer suggestions and discuss dieting in general. I think it was helpful to my Mom to keep weight off. It may have changed since then, but I think it is a good group if you are a support group type of person and looking for people to share with. I am sure it also depends on the group of people that you end up with too.

T.,
I personally am not familiar with TOPS. Attached is a link for easy to read articles which may help you to decide what is best for you. I would look at February, March & April 2009.

http://hopeshared.com/library.aspx

I also recommend watching the video on Weight Loss. There is alot of valuable information throughout our site, please look around it. Any questions, please do not hesitate to email or call.

Good Luck & Take Care!
A.
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Yes eat small portions.At all meals.

I'm not familiar with TOPS, but do a program called Fit Yummy Mummy. It is a program for busy moms that includes a supportive eating plan and exercise program. I have been doing it since Christmas and find it to be very do-able. I bought the e-book that has detailed explanations of everything along with pictures. You exercise for 30 minutes 3 times a week. I found that I can stick with that- I can workout and get a shower in less than an hour. Good luck!!

See if your insurance will cover your visit to a dietician. They'll work with you, foods you like, foods you might want to avoid, to come-up with a realistic plan for steady/consistent weight loss.
Chances are, they'll tell you to follow Weight Watchers. It seems to be the tried and true.
There is a lot of clinical research into understanding the physiological factors of weight loss/weight gain.
Drink a glass of luke warm water with your meal - it will trigger fullness quickly (ice water appears not to have an effect). Eat more fiber. It fills you up and helps to block carb absorption (only when greater than 5 g of fiber ingested). Take a bite, chew it fully, take a sip of water, take the next bite. Work out - we all hate to do it, but it is necessary.
Make the shift in your mind - whatever it is - that gets you where you need to be mentally.
I hope that helps. It comes from a lot of professional exposure to weight issues and my own experiences going through chemo and understanding what we need as women in our diets.
GOOD LUCK!

Hi T.
I used the Shaklee Cinch program. I also am a distributor and would love to talk to you more. You can check it out on my web livingwithsolutions.com It is a great and perfectly safe way to loose/manage weight. The other great info for this product is that if you aren't 100% satisfied it is a money back guarentee. Check it out. There is always a way to get discounts!!! Clinically tested and proven to be healthy. And its practical. Do your research and please let me know. Good Luck
S.

i know how you feel. with the kids at home, you really don't have the time to go to a gym,hauling the kids around, workout, then come home, fix the meals for everyone. sounds like you need some videos for the home. thats where i come in. i also had that problem. it is very hard to have "me time" when their are kids involved.all your attention usually spent on them. so doing something at home is sometimes the best choice. and taking it off slowing is the best way to do it. it's the healthiest way to do it. the weight will stay off longer. that is one of the reason i went into becoming a beachbody coach. i am a representative for all the beachbody products. i'm sure you have seen them on t.v.. the exercise videos are great. you pop them in when you can, and in 45 to 60 minutes your done. you go at your own pace, and thats the best way to do it. they come with a very sensible diet, to help you take off those extra pounds.and if you only have ten here, or ten minutes there, they also have the "ten minute trainer". these are great if your strapped for time. you should check out my website at: www.fitinohio.com and click on "produsts", and read about the different videos they have. and good luck with your fitness challenge. R.

I personally have never attended any meeting but my Grandma was a member for as long as I can remember. She loved going and made many good friends over the years. Best of luck to you!