"Fast-Break"

I've been exploring sparkpeople.com trying to get acquainted with all its features. One thing I found breaks down your weight-loss journey by stage.

Fast Break: weeks 1 - 2

Healthy Diet Habits: weeks 3 - 8

Lifestyle Change: week 9 - 18

Spread the Spark: week 18 on

I think you get the general gist of it all, but since I'm in the Fast Break stage, I delved a little deeper and found some good stuff.

The Fast Break Stage is a springboard that gives more power to the other three SparkDiet Stages. Just a little prep and practice give you a head start without the need for manic, life-altering changes. This Stage has three main purposes: Create momentum before tackling “heavier” dieting Stages. Build confidence and the knowledge that you can “make this dieting thing work.” Allow you to get used to your dieting and website surroundings without pressure.

And then to help you get the hang of things, you work through these--

6 Fast Break Strategies

1. Do you know what you are eating?

2. Finding the Time

3. Setting up shop

4. Site Tips and Tricks

5. Keeping Goals Top of Mind

6. Which Diet Strategies Will Work for You?

My favorite of these strategies is the Setting Up Shop, which focused on:

Prevent Temptations

Promote Convenience

Purchase Wisely

Anyone who has ever dieted knows that a kitchen full of treats is a recipe for disaster. So that's my goal for this weekend: get the kitchen full of healthy yummy food and clear of junk!