Although there may be one out there, I personally do not happen to know of the miracle cure that will aid one to lose weight. I do know however what worked for me. When I became tired of what my mirror reflected back; when I became sick of the disparaging comments; when I wanted to sleep, without choking for air, the few step program began to - and yet works for me, and for others. Some of these people I know. Although it may be referred to by a host of different names, this code of behavior, the few steps, happen to be encouraging, and begin in the mind.

Now the reasons why an ethnic beauty may want to lose weight can vary. Maybe you no longer want your thighs to rub noisily together, or perhaps you want to lower your blood pressure or your cholesterol level. You could want to become healthier, or you might like to circumvent diabetes. It does seem as if this disease, and others - like moths to a flame - are drawn to those of ethnic origin. Maybe you would simply like to lose weight because you no longer want to fight that confining girdle in the summertime. Or perhaps you just want to feel better, about yourself or about the way you look and are tired of the see-saw, going up and down in the weight department. Whatever your reason, a few steps to begin weight loss are listed below.

1. Decide. This is the commitment stage. This is where you decide what you can reasonably do. Here, in your first step, you choose your boost. If necessary you may see your physician, to discuss a course of action; or you can begin with a prayer requesting wisdom. Whatever you do, ask yourself: how will you get fit? Then decide. Will you run, or walk? Will you choose portion control, or replace a soda with water, or add flax seeds to your cereal for more fiber? The choice is yours. Therefore, remember, you can decide to begin with something simple, like parking farther from the market, instead of up close. Then you can walk there and back, one way to boost your heart rate. This would be a relatively easy start, wouldn't you agree? Thenï...

2. Get Set, Go! After you have decided on the measure(s) that will best work for you, take a deep breath and plunge in! Mamas, you just may have to rise earlier... ugh. Yes, for your 'me time.' However, it will be so worth it. Once, a friend who had lost all kinds of weight told me that nothing tastes as good as being healthier felt.

3. Veer and Return. You might fall off the wagon. It is okay. Just get back up there. Remember, and return to the decision you made. Gospel artist Donnie McClurkin has an inspirational song loved the world over, We Fall Down. In this anthem he sings of how we make mistakes, many times. We fall, but he reminds us that we get up! Do be aware, it only takes 21 days to make something a habit, so hang in there. If you veer, simply return.

4. Rejoice in the Results. If you lose one pound, youï're that much closer to your goal! Congratulate yourself - and remember. It is not imperative to share your initial victories. People sometimes have a way of de-railing one before she, or he, truly gets going. So smile to yourself and keep it moving. Only you need to know what you're doing. However, in a little while everyone will know. Yes, because you, my lovely, will begin to appear and feel sleeker, and svelte. Then in further rejoicing in the results, graciously accept compliments. You will have worked hard at this, you will have persevered. Therefore, any acknowledgment received will be well deserved.

Ethnic Beauties, let us wish one another every success on this our few step journey. The journey that will take time. We did not arrive at our current point overnight. It is why we will not arrive at our new destination overnight. However, when you finally do feel as though you would like to publicly rejoice, due to your results, why not allow the Ethnic Beauty Community to cheer you on? Visit the Forum and let us know. You can even share trials, and tips on overcoming.

Remember, it all starts with a decision. Ready? Get set...go!